Procurement Operations Director Europe & Australasia

The Procurement Operations Director is a senior leadership role with significant scope and impact, responsible for leading a large, complex procurement organization across Europe & Australasia, while also holding global accountability for Recovered Fiber. The role drives value creation through operational excellence, continuous improvement and strong business partnering across Essity’s manufacturing footprint. About the Role The Procurement Operations Director leads a multilayer organization of approximately 140 people across more than 30 manufacturing sites and reports directly to the VP Procurement (CPO). The scope covers tactical purchasing across all categories, leading local and regional strategies in indirect and MRO/NPMS, as well as support for CAPEX projects across Europe & Australasia. In addition, the role is responsible for the global strategy and implementation of the Recovered Fiber category, one of Essity’s key raw materials. The role ensures an efficient and agile organizational set-up to execute procurement activities with high standards. It works closely with category management and key stakeholders to ensure value creation and best-in-class operational services. Within the Procurement Operations scope, the role is responsible for driving and supporting the delivery of the global approach within its region, including the necessary regional adaptations. The role actively supports continuous improvement together with Procurement Excellence to ensure organizational agility, effectiveness and efficiency. Strategic ownership of the overall procurement operating model remains with Procurement Excellence. The role also includes strong business partnering, ensuring full collaboration between Procurement and Essity manufacturing sites. It acts with an overall business understanding and in close collaboration with other functions to maximize value created by Global Procurement. What You Will Do Develop strong relationships and credibility with key internal stakeholders Lead and develop a highly complex, multi-layered organization, driving strategic alignment across multiple management levels while ensuring operational excellence, strong governance, and a cohesive leadership culture. Manage Procurement Operations across Europe and Australasia, as well as Global Recovered Fiber organizations Ensure development of global procurement strategy for Recovered Fiber in line with Essity overall business needs as well as ensuring a timely implementation Ensure development of local/regional procurement strategies for Europe and Australasia, as well as Business Partnering strategy to mitigate risk, secure supply, generate cost saving/avoidance initiatives as well as value creation and bundling opportunities Contribute actively to Procurement Leadership team to develop the function in line with business expectations Build an agile organization, improve efficiency and develop functional capabilities on all levels Drive delivery and understanding of Global Procurement key programs and strategies Liaise with all functions in the Procurement Leadership team to ensure that the EU and Australasia regional needs are integrated in global category strategies Identify improvement opportunities to further raise digitalization and system efficiency Who You Are Experience in Procurement Transformation, in particular in clustering tactical procurement. Perspectives such as experience of colocation, outsourcing and similar activities is an advantage. Master’s degree or equivalent within a relevant field (Business, Economics, Supply Chain etc) 10+ years working experience in a leadership role in procurement Proven ability to lead people and create a collaborative work environment driven by ambitious goals as well as high team spirit Ability to work in an international, complex, matrix organization Analytical mindset and results oriented Solid communication and stakeholder management skills Perspective and make the vision happen Fluent in English This position can be based in Gothenburg, Munich or Barcelona. Only applications in English will be considered. What We Can Offer You Our purpose, Breaking Barriers to Well-being, provides meaning to everything we do. Working at Essity means a chance to improve wellbeing for people and opportunities to drive positive change for society and the environment. As an employee at Essity, you will belong to an organization where you feel valued, supported to grow, and challenged to generate business results in a collaborative and open atmosphere. Innovate for Good | Excel Together | Be You with Us #LI-AK1 Application End Date: 27 Juni 2026 Job Requisition ID: Essity262811 Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company. Our expertise began with the acquisition of the Swedish company Mölnlycke in 1975, through which our roots stretch back to 1849. Today, our sustainable innovations from globally trusted brands, designed for everybody and every body, care for the well-being of 1 billion people in 150 countries every day. Working at Essity is not just a career but a chance to make the world healthier, safer, and more hygienic. We innovate for good to break barriers and contribute to shaping a healthier future. At Essity, we have a people-first approach where every career is as unique as the individual. We empower employees to excel together and reach their full potential through a winning culture driven by a powerful purpose. Our performance-orientated environment motivates employees to think differently and embrace challenges so we can continue improving lives, every day through better hygiene and health. We provide a sustainable work-life based on flexibility for both employees and employers. We are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in everything we do. It is the key to our success in creating an inclusive, collaborative, and caring company culture where you can be you with us. Our purpose of Breaking Barriers to Well-being, enables customers and consumers to lead fuller lives at all stages of life. Our leading global brands include TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa are sold in 150 countries. I In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. We are headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. If you want to join a company where dedication to people is powered by innovation, welcome to Essity!