Head of Indirect Spend - Opex, And Direct Tailend Spend
About the job
- At least 10 years of procurement experience covering direct and indirect materials.
- At least 5 years of team management experience.
- Experience developing and executing procurement strategies and initiatives from a business-wide perspective rather than only within an individual category or assigned area.
- Experience handling large-scale or high-value procurement projects and transactions, with a record of driving complex supplier negotiations and sourcing.
- Ability to execute hands-on sourcing, negotiations, and problem-solving as needed, in addition to strategy development.
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to use data for procurement and business decisions.
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build strategic supplier relationships.
- Flexibility and adaptability to change approaches in response to changes in the business environment and organization.
- Experience using ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, and Microsoft Office.
- Practical global procurement experience and knowledge of market trends.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at different organizational levels and across departments.
- English proficiency sufficient for work-related communication with regional and global stakeholders; the interview will be conducted in English.
- Manage domestic OPEX indirect-material and tail-spend categories and teams.
- Develop and execute short- and long-term procurement strategies to optimize overall results and strengthen the procurement function.
- Drive structural cost-reduction initiatives using data-based approaches and collaboration with technical departments.
- Build and maintain supplier relationships focused on quality, innovation, and sustainability.
- Improve and optimize procurement-related tools, systems, and processes in response to business needs.
- Conduct procurement activities related to construction of new factories.
- Manage procurement of Capex and Opex for existing factories.
- Lead supplier discovery and selection, contracting, price negotiations, bidding, and other procurement activities.
- Report to procurement teams, project teams, executive leadership, and regional procurement teams.
- Collaborate with internal departments involved in procurement and promote cross-functional initiatives.
- Manage and develop team members while performing hands-on work as needed.
- Adjust priorities and approaches appropriately in response to changes in the business environment, organization, and markets.
- Experience in trading companies or industries such as heavy industry, chemicals, automotive, or shipping, or in manufacturing.
- Consulting experience is considered, provided the candidate also has substantial practical experience at an operating company before or after consulting.
- Professional qualifications such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), or PMP (Project Management Professional).
About the company
Sika is a global specialty chemicals producer that creates systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection used in the building sector and other industries. Its offerings include adhesives, sealants, damping materials, reinforcement solutions, and protective coatings that join materials, seal joints, damp vibrations, add strength, and protect surfaces through engineered chemical formulations. The company stands out through its wide geographic presence (103 countries and hundreds of factories) and a decentralized structure that lets regional teams tailor solutions to local needs, along with a strong emphasis on sustainability and practical product performance. Sika aims to help transform construction and transportation toward greater environmental sustainability by delivering reliable, specialized chemical systems that improve build quality, efficiency, durability, and overall performance.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Baar, Switzerland
Founded
1910
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Sika raised 2026 local-currency growth guidance to 3%-6% after stronger market-share gains.
- June 2026's Belgium plant expands admixtures capacity and shortens Benelux delivery times.
- AI and e-commerce lifted platform revenue 2%, while Fast Forward targets CHF 150-200 million through 2028.
What critics are saying
- China construction weakness and FX noise pressured first-half 2026 reported sales and margins.
- The €1 billion hybrid bond adds financing complexity ahead of bolt-on acquisitions.
- Rivals in adhesives and admixtures can commoditize volumes, eroding Sika's pricing power fast.
What makes Sika unique
- Sika's 103-country footprint and 400 factories lock in local service and distribution depth.
- Fast Forward reached 70% of its cost target, proving disciplined operational execution.
- Its adhesives, sealants, and admixtures span construction and industrial applications, broadening demand exposure.
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Benefits
- Performance Bonus