The supply chain has changed dramatically in recent years. Stock shortages, difficulties in sourcing from certain countries, pauses in supply chains, increases in oil prices and container costs, blockades and protests at ports, such as Vancouver... In short, procurement professionals have had to face many challenges!
In this context, recruiting a competent Procurement Director can make the difference between effective inventory and cost management, or losing control of your purchasing and procurement department.
In this article, we'll look at the skills to look for in a Procurement Director, the importance of motivation for this position and the best recruitment practices to find the right candidate.
Key skills for a Procurement Director
When it comes to recruiting a Procurement Director, the following skills are often in demand:
- Management and optimization of procurement processes
- Leadership
- Contract negotiation and management
- Experience in continuous improvement
- Knowledge of ERP systems
- Bilingualism
But these days, the ability to handle the unexpected and strong problem-solving skills are also essential.
In interviews, it is therefore crucial that you ask your candidates about their previous experience in crisis management and problem solving.
A good Procurement Director will be able to quickly analyze problems and propose innovative solutions in line with your company's context.
Adaptability is also very important in a global environment where consumer needs evolve rapidly and market conditions constantly fluctuate.
The profile you're looking for will need to go beyond established procurement methods (e.g. Just-in-time inventory) and keep a close eye on international markets, so as to be able to adapt and remain agile in light of different geopolitical situations.
With the rise of artificial intelligence in many industries, your Procurement Director will also have to learn and implement new technologies in the coming years. Their ability to adapt will be therefore put to the test in these situations.
A semi-structured interview, in which you take the time to discuss the candidate's various work experiences, is ideal in this context. You can also use simulations to test your candidates.
Download our Interview Grid for a simple, uniform guide for your interviews.
The need for a motivated Procurement Director
With all the new challenges in procurement, some candidates may feel slightly disenchanted with the role of Procurement Director. The job can be complex and demanding, but it plays a central role in a company's long-term viability and competitiveness. That's why you need to find a candidate who is genuinely motivated by the challenges of the job.
Finding a candidate with a resilient mindset, who shows initiative and is ready to take on challenges with confidence will ensure the stability and success of procurement in your company.
During interviews, take the time to ask your candidates about their motivations and career aspirations. Knowing the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can be very useful at this stage.
In general, an intrinsically motivated employee (motivated by curiosity, new challenges, a sense of belonging, etc.) will be more satisfied at work than an extrinsically motivated employee (motivated by salary, benefits, bonuses, etc.).
By highlighting the opportunities for learning, career development and positive impact offered by the Procurement Director position, you'll attract motivated candidates looking for new challenges or learning opportunities.
In addition, offering ongoing training programs, opportunities for advancement and a work environment that fosters professional fulfillment will help retain these candidates.
Best recruitment practices to find the ideal candidate
Writing an attractive, clear job description:
Choosing and recruiting the ideal candidate for your Procurement Director position obviously starts with writing an attractive and clear job description. This description should not only list the responsibilities and qualifications required, but also highlight the development opportunities, the stimulating challenges and the crucial role the Procurement Director will play in the company's success.
See the Attractive elements to hilight in your job description.
Using various recruitment channels:
To increase your chances of receiving multiple applications, take advantage of online job boards, professional social networks and professional association sites to reach more qualified candidates.
Although procurement professionals can be reached via LinkedIn or sites such as Supply Chain Canada, candidates for this type of position remain hard to reach on traditional recruitment platforms.
If your job postings don't generate the desired results, consider working with recruitment firms specializing in the procurement field. These firms have access to a pool of passive candidates and are able to find specific profiles with experience in your industry.
Using a semi-structured interview process:
Interviews are an opportunity to validate the candidate's relevance in relation to the specific needs of the position. As mentioned above, we recommend that you use semi-structured interviews for all candidates in your recruitment process.
Examples of questions relevant to procurement positions:
- In your position at Company X, what projects have you worked on?
- Have you had to deal with delayed deliveries from suppliers in the past? How did you manage this situation?
- How do you manage supply-related risks, such as raw material shortages or supply chain disruptions?
- Have you managed a procurement team in the past? What is your management style?
- How do you optimize flow and cost management?
In addition to assessing technical skills, interviews should also explore behavioral aptitudes, also known as "soft skills".
Therefore, ask questions that relate to soft skills to ensure that the candidate will fit in with your teams and your company.
See the questions to ask to make sure a candidate is a good "fit".
In summary, recruiting a Procurement Director requires a strategic and thoughtful approach. Key skills such as crisis management and adaptability are essential to successfully navigate through the challenges specific to this field. Motivation is also a critical factor when choosing an employee for this position.
Having trouble recruiting a Procurement Director? Feel free to contact us for information on our recruitment services.
Montreal: 514-842-7846
Drummondville: 819-445-7846
Toronto: 613-699-0021
