Director, Procurement at Littelfuse, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

If you are motivated to succeed and can see yourself in this role, please complete our application. We will follow up with you on the next steps in the interview process.

Our associates are a strategic advantage for us who are making a difference at Littelfuse. Join our team and make a difference every day!

Director, Procurement

The Director of Procurement creates and drives short and long-term strategic direction of either indirect or direct procurement; strategy will support Littelfuse’s short and long-term indirect or direct procurement strategy, supporting the process while enabling savings and value. Confronts and solves performance/operational issues to improve efficiency and meet goals.

About the Job:

• Develop and deploy short and long-term commodity strategies to support IBU business objectives




• Standardize Strategic Sourcing methods and drive implementation for all IBU businesses




• Manage supplier development, quality and performance through improved, standardized processes and tools




• Drive supply base transformation focused on cost, lead time and quality to deliver step-function improvement




• Influence New Product Designs to deliver cost efficiencies, time-to-market improvements and platforming




• Managing make vs. buy process and outsourced suppliers




• Establishing and managing supplier performance metrics through a scorecard program.




• Enhancing spend visibility, data analysis tools and processes.




• Developing a sustainable cost reduction / cost avoidance program governance.




• Developing contracts and managing compliance.




• Introducing standardized processes (including RFx, e-auction, supplier relationship management, performance reporting).




• Introducing organizational efficiencies through automation.




• Developing an outside-in business / market intelligence funnel.




• Talent management: Developing procurement capabilities and improving the aptitude of the procurement organization.




• Confront and solve performance/operational issues to improve efficiency and meet goals.          




• Partner with business leaders to understand procurement needs that are key to the business unit and are aligned with the strategy and goals.




• Lead the overall procurement governance in the areas of cost reduction, supply base optimization, supplier performance management, business alignment, and procurement controls




• Partner with operations, engineering, and quality to develop and implement the supplier performance management system.




• Develop and lead a data governance model to support the continuous analysis and actioning of spend data.




• Lead the development of the annual global sourcing strategy and cost reduction plan.




• Develop and lead the overall procurement operational governance, including ops review, supplier business reviews, and supplier summits.




• Identify and lead cross-category continuous improvement initiatives.




• Govern the “approved vendor list”.




• Manage the procurement cost reduction hopper, set priorities, and drive execution.




• Develop and maintain a business intelligence process for the monitoring of cost, technology, and risk market trends.




• Lead continuous improvement of our supply base in the areas of inventory management, delivery, quality and terms agreement.




• Other duties as assigned.

About You:

• BS/BA Degree in a supply chain, technical/engineering, or business discipline.




• MBA or equivalent experience preferred




• 10+ years of experience in global manufacturing company.




• 6+ years of supply chain and/or operations experience.




• 6+ years of experience in driving business transformation, productivity improvements, and cost reductions.




• 5+ years in an operational leadership position.




• Deep knowledge of Procurement and best-in-class processes.




• Proven track record of leading procurement / strategic sourcing transformation.




• Ability to operate strategically, while understanding the tactical implications of decisions.




• Strong negotiations, problem solving, analytical skills, and financial acumen.




• Strong coaching, program management, leadership skills and team-oriented mindset




• Strong analytical skills. Experience with financial analytics and ERP experience (preferably within an SAP environment).




• Must have sound supply chain knowledge to be able to influence and drive operational and sourcing transformation.




• Adaptable and flexible to changing business environments, while providing exceptional situational leadership.




• Risk management skills with ability to mitigate effectively.




• Fluent in MS Excel, MS Power Point




• High attention to detail.




• Office Environment, some exposure to manufacturing




• May require weekend and evening hours. May require international and domestic travel.




• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Littelfuse strives to empower associate growth and development in a culture of ongoing collaboration and respect for diverse global perspectives and expertise. Our Core Values – Customer Focus, Integrity, Innovation, Teamwork and Results Driven – supports us on our mission to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency, and performance of our customers’ products and systems.

We are an equal opportunity employer that takes pride in giving every associate the means and courage to make a difference – everywhere, every day.

We offer a competitive salary package and a variety of benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability and Retirement benefits as well as development opportunities like internal Lean Six Sigma Certification.  

#LI-ABF