Director of Procurement Operations

ZRG Partners has been retained by a leading global healthcare organization to identify a Director of Procurement Operations to lead procurement operations, transformation, and performance across its U.S. business.This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced procurement executive who can combine operational rigor with transformation leadership. The Director will serve as a senior in-country procurement leader, overseeing Source-to-Pay activities, strengthening governance and supplier performance, and ensuring effective execution of global procurement standards within the U.S. organization.The OpportunityThe Director of Procurement Operations will play a critical role in advancing the organization's procurement capabilities and operating model. Working closely with senior business leaders, Global Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Shared Services, and strategic suppliers, this individual will drive operational excellence while leading major procurement transformation and productivity initiatives.The role carries responsibility for procurement performance, controls, reporting, stakeholder engagement, supplier governance, team leadership, and the successful adoption of global processes and digital procurement platforms.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a senior U.S. representative for Procurement, engaging with executive business leaders, global and regional procurement teams, governance bodies, auditors, and strategic suppliers.Lead operational excellence across the Source-to-Pay and Procure-to-Pay lifecycle.Partner with Supply Chain and Finance leadership to integrate procurement priorities into budgeting, forecasting, and enterprise planning.Maintain strong procurement controls, compliance, audit readiness, and operational risk management.Lead procurement performance governance, including KPI development, reporting, productivity, working capital, supplier performance, and service-level management.Drive adoption and execution of global procurement transformation programs and digital procurement initiatives.Lead change management efforts to embed new systems, processes, governance frameworks, and ways of working across the U.S. organization.Oversee strategic supplier performance and strengthen governance for critical and high-risk vendors.Represent the U.S. organization in global procurement forums and performance reviews, advocating for local business requirements while maintaining alignment with global standards.Build, develop, and lead a high-performing procurement operations organization, including succession planning, workforce planning, performance management, and capability development.Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is an accomplished procurement or supply chain leader who has operated within a complex, global organization and has demonstrated the ability to lead both day-to-day procurement operations and large-scale transformation.Candidates should bring:10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, supply chain, or a related discipline.Meaningful leadership experience across procurement operations and direct and/or indirect procurement categories.Strong knowledge of Source-to-Pay processes, procurement governance, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and operational controls.Demonstrated experience leading procurement transformation, process improvement, and organizational change initiatives.Experience with enterprise procurement and ERP platforms, ideally including SAP S/4HANA or ECC and SAP Ariba.Strong capabilities across supplier management, negotiations, contract management, cost modeling, operational risk, and procurement performance management.Experience working within a regulated environment; healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical technology, or similarly regulated industry experience is highly desirable.Familiarity with compliance and control environments such as GxP, SOX, supplier qualification, third-party risk management, and regulated digital workflows.Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively across functions, geographies, and organizational levels.Strong analytical, communication, change leadership, and people-management capabilities.Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline; an advanced degree and relevant professional certifications are preferred but not required.Why Consider This Opportunity?This role offers the opportunity to influence procurement strategy and operations within a large, sophisticated global healthcare organization while playing a central role in an ongoing procurement transformation.The successful candidate will have broad exposure to senior U.S. and global leadership and the opportunity to shape procurement operations, digital transformation, supplier performance, organizational capability, and enterprise-wide ways of working.The position is based in the Lake Zurich, Illinois (Greater Chicago Area) and requires operating on a hybrid basis. About ZRG PartnersZRG Partners is a global talent advisory firm helping organizations identify, attract, and develop the leadership and talent required to drive performance and growth. Our global platform spans executive search, interim and on-demand talent, embedded recruiting, and consulting solutions.Combining global reach with a high-touch, consultative approach, ZRG brings together deep industry expertise, data-driven insights, and a commitment to building lasting partnerships. Our work is guided by three core values: Partnership, People, and Performance.ZRG Partners is conducting this search on behalf of our client. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for confidential consideration.