Regional Procurement Director, EMEA and APAC

Role Summary

The Regional Procurement Director is responsible for executing Lincoln’s global sourcing strategies within their assigned region, managing one or more regionally owned categories, and serving as the primary interface between Global Procurement and the business stakeholders. The role ensures global category playbooks are implemented effectively, while adapting to regional supplier markets and business needs. The Regional Procurement Director partners closely with Regional Business Leaders (EMEA/APAC), participates in Global Category Councils, and leads negotiations for regionally significant suppliers.

Job Description (Duties and Responsibilities)

• Lead the execution of global category strategies and playbooks in the region, ensuring compliance to standards and KPIs.
• May manage one or more regionally owned categories (e.g., Packaging, CAPEX, MRO, Facilities, Energy, Logistics), including strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiations.
• Act as the bridge between Global Procurement and Regional Business Leaders (EMEA/APAC), ensuring alignment of priorities.
• Serve as a voting member of Global Category Councils, providing regional supplier insights and validating strategies.
• Develop and execute regional supplier negotiations, risk mitigation, and cost savings initiatives.
• Monitor and escalate supplier performance issues according to Lincoln’s Supplier Issue Resolution SOP.
• Lead, coach, and develop the regional procurement team to build capabilities and ensure succession.
• Support adoption of digital procurement tools and promote process standardization.
• Champion change management, ensuring procurement is seen as a strategic partner in the business.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of procurement and sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership of regional or global supplier negotiations with $100M+ spend exposure.
• Strong expertise in category management, supplier development, and contract governance.
• Excellent ability to operate in a matrix environment (solid-line to VP Global Sourcing, dotted-line to Regional Business Leadership).
• Proficiency in procurement systems, analytics, and digital tools.
• Enterprise-first mindset: Optimizes outcomes across plants, regions, and functions—not just within Sourcing/Procurement.
• Trust builder: Runs a “listen → decide → close the loop” cadence with internal clients; escalations handled transparently with documented learnings.
• High-EQ leadership: Models self-awareness, empathy, and constructive conflict; coaches teams and peers through change and ambiguity.

Preferred Attributes

• Strategic thinker with ability to align global priorities with regional realities.
• Hands-on leadership style; able to manage both strategy and execution.
• Influencing and relationship-building skills to engage business stakeholders and suppliers.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and drive decisions.
• Resilient change agent who can lead transformation in a complex environment.
• Talent developer who builds high-performing teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIS)

• Delivery of regional cost savings vs. target.
• Supplier performance (OTIF, quality, cost improvement).
• Compliance with global category playbooks and policies.
• Stakeholder satisfaction within the region.
• Development, engagement, and retention of regional procurement team members.