Senior Director Purchasing

The opportunity Our client is a major player in energy, utilities and infrastructure, investing heavily in the energy transition and long-lived assets. They are appointing a Senior Director of Procurement to own indirect spend across professional services and HR services from Berlin. This is a strategic leadership role. You will set category strategy for some of the most complex and sensitive spend in the business, build a high-performing team, and act as the trusted partner to the CFO, CHRO, General Counsel and business unit leaders. Scope Professional services Management and strategy consulting, technology and engineering advisory Legal, audit, tax and regulatory advisory Market research, communications and other corporate services HR services Recruitment, executive search and RPO Contingent workforce and managed service provider (MSP) programmes Payroll, benefits, pensions and mobility or relocation Learning and development, and employee engagement services Key responsibilities Define and deliver the indirect category strategy for professional and HR services, with clear savings, value and risk targets Lead complex sourcing events and negotiations, including multi-year framework agreements and preferred supplier panels Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and constructively challenge demand before spend is committed Design and run a contingent labour and external workforce model that is compliant with German labour law and works council requirements Strengthen governance: policy, approval thresholds, supplier onboarding, consultant use controls and spend transparency Ensure compliance with applicable procurement rules for the sector, including EU sector procurement regulations and supply chain due diligence obligations Drive supplier performance management, rate card discipline and demand management Partner with Digital and Finance on source-to-pay, spend analytics and AI-enabled sourcing Lead, develop and inspire a team of category managers and sourcing specialists globally Contribute to the wider procurement leadership team and the group transformation agenda What you bring Experience 12+ years in procurement, including 5+ years leading senior teams Proven record sourcing professional services and HR services at scale, ideally in energy, utilities, infrastructure or another asset-heavy sector Track record of delivering measurable savings and value in indirect categories Experience of contingent workforce or MSP models in Germany or the wider EU Capabilities Executive presence with the ability to influence CFO, CHRO and Board-level stakeholders Strong negotiation and commercial skills across consulting, legal and HR suppliers Working knowledge of German employment and co-determination frameworks Digital fluency in source-to-pay, spend analytics and AI in procurement Change leadership experience in a regulated or project-driven environment Education and languages University degree in business, economics, engineering or a related field MCIPS, CPSM or an MBA is advantageous Fluent English required; German strongly preferred What is on offer A high-visibility leadership role in a sector central to the energy transition Competitive base salary, bonus and long-term incentive Hybrid working, relocation support where relevant, and strong benefits The chance to shape how a large organisation buys and manages external expertise #J-18808-Ljbffr