International Purchasing Director

About the Role

This senior leadership position is focused on shaping and executing the organization’s worldwide procurement approach. The role is accountable for managing suppliers across multiple markets, securing favorable commercial agreements, and making sure sourcing remains dependable, compliant, and cost-efficient for materials, goods, and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and drive international purchasing plans across product groups, regions, and supplier ecosystems.
• Search for, assess, and approve suppliers worldwide using criteria such as price, quality, capacity, risk exposure, and delivery track record.
• Handle negotiations on pricing, payment conditions, delivery timelines, and contractual terms with overseas vendors.
• Supervise the full procurement cycle from request initiation to final receipt of goods or services.
• Track supplier results, run performance reviews, and push ongoing improvement efforts.
• Work closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Legal, and Logistics teams so purchasing decisions support wider business goals.
• Keep watch on international market shifts, commodity movements, geopolitical developments, and trade compliance issues that may influence sourcing.
• Lead initiatives that reduce cost, protect supply availability, and strengthen sourcing competitiveness.
• Manage and grow purchasing teams by strengthening capability, accountability, and succession planning.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and senior-level reporting on procurement outcomes.

Candidate Profile

• More than 15 years of experience in procurement, global sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain leadership.
• Strong knowledge of international supplier management, contract negotiation, sourcing strategy, and procurement controls.
• A track record of lowering cost, improving supplier performance, and maintaining supply in complex international settings.
• Excellent analytical, financial, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication abilities.
• Background in manufacturing, consumer goods, retail, industrial, or similar multi-market businesses is commonly preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related area is expected; a master’s degree or procurement certifications are often advantageous.

Performance Measures

• Achievement of cost savings and better total landed cost.
• Supplier punctuality and quality performance.
• Effectiveness in maintaining supply continuity and managing risk.
• Success rate in contract compliance and negotiations.
• Procurement cycle speed and forecast accuracy.