Director of Purchasing

Location - Paris (Hybrid)

Position -Director of Purchasing

Our client was launched in June 2022 by a stellar consortium of shareholders. They aim to build, own, and operate a green iron plant in southern France, using Hydrogen and avoiding the high CO2 emissions from classical steel production. Product will be DRI/HBI a key and value-added ingredient in steel production. They will be a major contributor to decarbonize steel production in Europe and respond to a growing demand for zero carbon steel products.

Join the team and help to decarbonize one of the most important industries worldwide!

The role -

Our Client is looking for an experienced Purchasing Director , capable of implementing and optimizing the purchasing strategy by adapting it to the evolution of the organization to optimize the supplies of equipment, materials, and services related to industrial production.

This key position is of strategic importance in controlling costs, managing supplier risks and meeting critical deadlines for project delivery.

You will be responsible for leading the management and structuring of purchases in a growing environment, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability . It will also be essential to take into account the specific requirements related to project financing (bank covenants, investor obligations) and to ensure good coordination with the finance team for cash flow monitoring.

Main missions:

Our clients future Purchasing Director will lead the purchasing strategy through rigorous management of strategic categories such as raw materials, technical equipment, and industrial services. He/she will play a key role in developing sustainable partnerships with global suppliers while ensuring the company's competitiveness. His/her mission will be to optimize purchasing in the context of complex industrial projects while ensuring perfect coordination with the various internal stakeholders and integrating environmental footprint reduction objectives into the supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of the purchasing strategy : Adapt the purchasing strategy, in conjunction with internal and external experts, to the specific needs of the industrial project, anticipating market developments, technological trends and regulatory constraints. Systematically integrate project financing requirements (monitoring of covenants, compliance with fund release schedules) into contract negotiations. Integrate sustainable practices into sourcing processes, particularly in the choice of materials and suppliers.
• Strategic Purchasing Category Management : Oversee the procurement of critical raw materials, particularly iron ore, as well as other areas such as equipment (DRI, electrolysis, various components) and services (subcontracting, intellectual services), while optimizing commercial conditions. Prioritize the quality, reliability, and innovation of purchased products while respecting budgetary constraints. Identify, in conjunction with the finance teams, any hedging strategies to be implemented.
• Tender management and negotiation : Oversee the launch and management of tender processes to select the most competitive suppliers based on criteria adapted to the challenges (including costs, quality, deadlines). Conduct complex commercial and contractual negotiations to secure long-term partnerships in conjunction with legal teams and by integrating and ensuring guarantee clauses in accordance with the requirements of financiers.
• Risk Management and Innovation : Identify supplier risks (geoeconomic, financial, environmental) and implement continuity plans. Propose innovative solutions to improve purchasing performance by integrating new technologies, innovative materials, and eco-responsible practices.
• Collaboration with project and production teams : Work closely with project managers, technical management, and production teams to adjust purchasing forecasts based on project progress. Ensure smooth coordination between purchasing and operational needs.
• Purchasing Team Leadership and Development : Supervise, train, and develop a team composed of a Purchasing Manager and specialized buyers. Create a dynamic work environment focused on performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Involve teams in the company's overall strategy and objectives.
• Financial Reporting and Analysis : Develop detailed reports on purchasing performance, savings achieved, and improvement prospects. Regularly present detailed analyses to management on margins, cost variances, and strategic recommendations.

Position Requirement:

• Education : Higher education diploma (Bac +5) in purchasing, engineering, industrial project management, or equivalent (such as business school or engineering school).
• Experience : Minimum 15 years of experience in the purchasing function, with proven expertise in highly technical industrial projects (heavy industry such as cement, steel, chemicals, energy, construction materials, etc.). Significant experience in managing complex and international purchases is required.

Technical skills :

1. Excellent command of tendering processes, contract negotiation and framework agreements.

2. Experience on a large-scale, complex project, preferably in project finance.

3 . Management of engineering and EPC/EPCM contracts on industrial projects exceeding €50 million.

4. Perfect understanding of the specificities linked to the purchase of heavy industrial equipment and technical materials.

5. Mastery of contractual issues to ensure a global vision in conjunction with technical and legal teams

6. Expertise in the use of ERP systems (SAP type) and purchasing management tools.

7. Ability to manage large purchasing budgets in a high-pressure environment.

Personal skills :

1. Strong leadership and ability to unite and motivate a team around common objectives.

2. Very strong negotiation skills and strong sense of supplier relations.

3. Strategic vision and process implementation

4. Analytical mind and ability to make rapid and informed decisions in complex contexts.

5. Excellent communication and project management skills.

LANGUAGES :Excellent command of English is essential (written and oral), ensuring smooth and error-free communication in all professional contexts.