Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) – Automotive Transportation
Position Overview
The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) is responsible for leading the end‑to‑end procurement strategy for automotive transportation, including inbound logistics, outbound finished vehicle logistics, aftermarket distribution, and global freight. This role drives supplier strategy, cost optimization, risk management, and operational excellence across the transportation supply chain. The CPO ensures that procurement supports business growth, quality, sustainability, and digital transformation objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Procurement Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute the global procurement strategy for automotive transportation (inbound, outbound, FVL, FCL/LCL, air freight, rail, trucking).
Lead long‑term planning for supplier network design, capacity planning, and cost competitiveness.
Align procurement strategy with corporate goals in quality, sustainability, ESG, and digitalization.
Provide leadership to regional procurement teams and ensure global governance.
2. Supplier Management & Strategic Partnerships
Build and manage strategic relationships with logistics providers, carriers, 3PL/4PL partners, and freight forwarders.
Lead supplier selection, qualification, and performance management using KPIs such as on‑time delivery, cost, service quality, and compliance.
Develop multi‑year partnership frameworks to support business growth and supply chain resilience.
Drive supplier innovation in areas such as EV logistics, multimodal transport, and digital visibility.
3. Cost Optimization & Contract Management
Lead major transportation sourcing events, RFQs, and contract negotiations.
Develop cost models, benchmark market rates, and implement cost‑reduction initiatives.
Ensure contracts meet business requirements in service levels, liability, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
Monitor global freight markets and proactively manage cost volatility.
4. Risk Management & Supply Continuity
Identify and mitigate transportation risks including capacity shortages, geopolitical disruptions, regulatory changes, and carrier performance issues.
Establish contingency plans and alternative routing strategies.
Ensure compliance with global trade regulations, safety standards, and corporate policies.
5. Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with logistics operations, supply chain planning, manufacturing, quality, and finance teams to ensure procurement alignment.
Support new model launches, plant expansions, and global supply chain transformation projects.
Collaborate with digital teams to enhance TMS, visibility platforms, and data‑driven decision‑making.
6. Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Lead and develop a high‑performing procurement organization across regions.
Build capabilities in strategic sourcing, analytics, negotiation, and supplier management.
Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.
12–18 years of procurement or logistics experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Strong background in automotive transportation procurement (OEM, Tier1, or major logistics provider).
Proven track record in global sourcing, supplier strategy, and large‑scale negotiations.
Skills & Competencies
Deep understanding of automotive logistics (inbound, outbound, aftermarket, multimodal transport).
Strong commercial acumen and contract management expertise.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Data‑driven mindset with strong analytical and financial capabilities.
Experience with TMS, digital visibility tools, and procurement systems.
Ability to lead in a fast‑paced, global, and matrixed environment.
What We Offer
Opportunity to shape the transportation procurement strategy of a major automotive organization.
Leadership role with global impact and exposure to advanced logistics technologies.
Competitive compensation and long‑term career development opportunities.