Hiring A Strategic Head of Procurement
A case study on how a targeted recruitment search secured a new Head of Direct Procurement to support a pharmaceutical company’s multi-year European transformation.
Our client is a leading organisation within the critical care and anti-infectives space, developing and manufacturing essential therapies used to treat severe and complex infections. With an established presence in global healthcare and a strong focus on specialised pharmaceutical products, the organisation is embarking on a significant multi-year transformation of its European procurement operations.
The Challenge
As part of a 10-year phased relocation of its procurement functions out of Copenhagen and into several regions across Europe, the company required a new Head of Direct Procurement to guide and stabilise this transition.
The scale and complexity of the relocation created several challenges:
- The organisation had never undertaken a transformation of this scope, making the talent requirements difficult to predict.
- Procurement teams were set to be redistributed across multiple countries, requiring a leader with exceptional flexibility and cross-regional experience.
- The role demanded monthly international travel and a regular presence across three key European locations.
- The preferred location for the role shifted multiple times – first Copenhagen, then Budapest, and ultimately Germany – forcing rapid recalibration of the candidate pool and search strategy.
The client needed a specialist recruitment partner capable of adapting in real time, sourcing high-calibre procurement leaders, and ensuring alignment with the company’s evolving strategic direction.
The Solution
Skills Alliance partnered closely with the client, delivering a responsive and location-specific search approach. At each shift in geographic focus, we provided a refined shortlist tailored to the new criteria.
Through this process, we jointly identified Germany as the optimal location for the role, offering:
- A central position within Europe
- Strong connectivity to all key operational sites
- Access to one of the most competitive procurement talent pools on the continent
This insight enabled the client to confidently reset the project timeline and reallocate resources.
The successful candidate was ultimately identified through our established network. Having collaborated with this individual previously, we recognised their strong technical procurement background, leadership capabilities, and personal alignment with the demands of the transformation. They quickly emerged as a top candidate and were prioritised accordingly.
Across the project:
- 7 CVs were submitted
- 5 candidates progressed to interview
- 1 strategic appointment was made
The Results
The appointed Head of Direct Procurement will play a central role in driving the company’s European procurement transformation. Their remit includes:
- Leading all direct procurement strategy
- Optimising sourcing performance
- Strengthening supplier relationships across multiple regions
Their leadership will be instrumental in stabilising operations during the transition and supporting the company’s long-term vision: an integrated, future-ready procurement organisation equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
Partner with Skills Alliance
This project demonstrates Skills Alliance’s ability to adapt rapidly, leverage deep sector expertise, and deliver high-impact leadership talent in complex, evolving environments. With our global network and consultative approach, we help life sciences organisations secure the people they need to drive transformation and long-term success.
Reach out to learn how we can support your next strategic hire.
