Head of Indirect Procurement – Contract – Zurich

Interim Head of Indirect Procurement (3-6 months) – ZurichZurichLead a High-Impact Procurement Function on an Interim BasisAn established Swiss organisation is seeking a highly experienced Head of Indirect Procurement to provide leadership continuity across a well established procurement team for a 3-6 month period.This role oversees a substantial annual spend, manages a growing team of procurement professionals and reports directly to executive leadership.It’s an opportunity to step into a mature procurement environment, safeguard momentum on strategic priorities and guide the team through a key transitional phase.This role would suit a calm and professional operator who is an expert in procurement and is an outstanding communicator, at all levels.Key Responsibilities Provide steady, hands-on leadership to the Indirect Procurement team, ensuring performance, clarity, and continued professional growth. Maintain and execute the existing strategy for Indirect Procurement, converting strategic objectives into clear, measurable interim plans. Oversee strategic sourcing and supplier management across core categories such as IT, Professional Services, Travel & Fleet, Market Data, and Facility Management. Drive cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and added value across the indirect portfolio, with a focus on in-flight initiatives and achievable quick wins. Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to align procurement activity with business goals, operational timelines, and compliance requirements. Ensure adherence to internal governance frameworks and procurement policies. Sustain momentum on digitalisation and process-improvement programmes, including ongoing SAP Ariba-related deployments.Ideal Background And Skill Set 15+ years’ experience in Procurement with deep expertise across Indirect categories. Demonstrated leadership of sizeable teams and complex spend portfolios – ideally within an interim, turnaround, or transition context. Strong strategic mindset paired with decisive execution and the ability to deliver outcomes within compressed timelines. Hands-on experience with SAP Ariba (Sourcing, Contracts, Guided Buying & Catalogues) and familiarity with other digital procurement tools (e.g., Akirolabs, Sievo). Professional certification such as CIPS or ISM CPSM. Fluency in German and English; additional European languages are an advantage. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills. A pragmatic, analytical approach and the confidence to lead from the front.Engagement ModelThis interim assignment is delivered strictly on a B2B basis. Applicants must operate through their own registered company (GmbH, SARL, Ltd or equivalent).Please note: we are unable to engage via payroll/umbrella companies or sole proprietorship structures.Only candidates with an established business entity can be considered.To apply for this Head of Indirect Procurement role, please send your CV or call Ric Marshall at Oliver James for more information.Interim Head of Indirect Procurement (3-6 months)Apply Now