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Secure experienced interim procurement leaders specializing in global sourcing, supply chain restructuring, and SAP S/4HANA migrations. Our platform provides fast, precise matching with vetted, available freelance professionals.
About the role
Strategic Supply Chain and Sourcing Leadership
An interim procurement director designs and executes purchasing strategies that protect margins and ensure operational continuity. They evaluate existing supplier portfolios, negotiate enterprise-level contracts, and introduce modern supply chain methodologies. Their goal is to balance cost efficiency with supply security, especially during periods of market volatility.
Key Deliverables and Responsibilities
- Designing global and regional sourcing strategies to reduce dependency risks.
- Leading high-stakes negotiations with key suppliers and service providers.
- Overseeing the implementation of digital procurement systems like SAP Ariba.
- Restructuring purchasing departments during corporate mergers or acquisitions.
- Monitoring compliance with international trade and environmental regulations.
Managing Compliance in the German Market
In Germany, companies must navigate strict regulatory frameworks such as the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. Freelance procurement leaders working in this region bring direct experience in aligning global supply networks with German legal standards. They coordinate with local legal teams and suppliers to establish transparent reporting and risk management systems, ensuring seamless compliance without sacrificing supply chain speed.
Trigger Points for Interim Engagement
Organizations typically bring in freelance directors during critical transition phases. This includes sudden leadership vacancies, major digital transformation projects, or urgent restructuring efforts. A freelance executive steps in with zero onboarding time to stabilize operations, optimize working capital, and guide local purchasing teams through complex organizational changes.
Meet FRATCH Procurement Directors
Ornel Franck Wora Yeno
Purchasing Manager, Logistics, IT Manager & Software Architect
Last position:
Purchasing Manager, Logistics & IT Manager at Onlinehandler
Proactive support of management in business field development & innovation management
New development of a suite of business applications for analyzing valuation, P&L, and market price risk data
Automation of all internal and external business and work processes
Development of AI-based and AI-supported ETL processes as well as data analysis
Business use-case development
Business and work process optimization
Enterprise architecture management
Sales data analysis and forecasting as well as capture
Inventory management & reordering
Supplier management and communication
Customs processing & clearance
Shipping handling & warehouse coordination
Interface management
Technologies used: Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, JTL-Wawi, JTL-WMS, OTTO Partner Connect (OPC), Amazon Seller Central, DHL Global Forwarding, Jira, Draw.IO, Java (8,17,21,25), Jenkins, SonarQube, Git, Gitea, Spring Boot, Spring Batch, Vaadin, H2, PostgreSQL, Docker, Local LLMs, Postman, JasperSoft Studio, JasperReports
Udo Bocken
Interim Head of Technical Purchasing
Last position:
Interim Head of Technical Purchasing at Riha WeserGold Getränke GmbH & Co. KG
- Leading technical purchasing with 4 employees
- Tendering, negotiating, and closing the gas supply for 2025 / 2026 and 2027
- Electricity purchasing for 2024 and 2025
- Feasibility analysis of a photovoltaic system for the sites Rinteln, Dodow, and Waibstadt, including tendering and negotiating possible partners
- Purchasing fossil fuels: diesel, gas, and electricity as well as CO2 certificates
- Purchasing industrial gases including CO2
- New setup in the area of cleaning and disinfecting agents for 3 plant sites and optimizing the stock handling of these hazardous substances
- Profitability calculation for the gas turbine (steam and electricity)
- Fleet concept: conventional drive vs. e-mobility
- Purchasing 29 new tractor units
- Two major maintenance projects: renewal of the outer shell of a high-bay warehouse as well as renewal of warehouse and high-bay warehouse logistics hardware and software
- Negotiating framework, maintenance, and consignment stock contracts including Capex and MRO with the four main machine suppliers
- Supporting performance issues during the commissioning of a new machine
- Negotiating and closing the contract for the conversion of three machines for the site in Spain
- Savings in the seven-figure range
- Return on Interim Manager (RoIM): factor 4.7
Aleksej Rovenskij
Interim Head of Global P2P Procurement Restructuring Project / Interim Head of Procurement Department for 2 Plants
Last position:
Interim Head of Global P2P Procurement Restructuring Project / Interim Head of Procurement Department for 2 Plants at Confidential
- Led the global restructuring and efficiency improvements in operational and strategic procurement
- Restructured personnel (HR headcounts) in cooperation with works council, HR, and legal
- Outsourced partial activities (procurement and finance with invoice control) to shared service center
- Built a shared service organization
- Improved S&OP processes and digitized procurement workflows using SAP Ariba and SAP S/4HANA with e-catalogs
- Implemented SAP IBP
- Led negotiations for direct and indirect goods
- Managed 9 cross-functional workgroups
- Developed and implemented improvement proposals in coordination with corporate management
- Worked according to ISO 13485
- Achieved savings of over €7M
Thorsten Heinisch
Head of Global Purchasing ad interim
Last position:
Head of Global Purchasing ad interim at Manufacturer of technical textiles (TIER 2/3)
Leading the global purchasing team for raw materials and indirect purchasing
Organizational development and role definition
Taking over the global logistics function
Developing a global transport strategy for 6 sites (DE, US, CN, VN)
Tender management
Defining logistics processes and mapping them in ERP Canias
Price and contract negotiations for raw materials and CAPEX
Implementing a global purchasing structure
Defining a qualification matrix and qualification requirements
Defining a product group strategy
Defining and implementing global logistics and transport standards
Reducing transport costs by 45 %
Stefan Leirich
Director Procurement Europe
Last position:
Director Procurement Europe at Zarges Holding GmbH
- Headed the establishment of a procurement organisation in Europe, including Lead-Buyer and NPD Buyer roles for the region as well as e-procurement and procurement tools.
- Started global sourcing.
- Drove increase in savings by three times from 2019 to 2020, reduced suppliers by 10%, quality complaints by 15% and improved on-time delivery by 10%.
- Inspired a high-performance team of more than 60 purchasing managers, regional lead buyers, supervisors supplier quality, supplier quality engineers, commodity buyers, NPD buyers and planner buyers through regular training, coaching and mentoring.
- Administered a spending budget of $200M for more than 10 production plants and regional distribution centres in Europe.
- Reduced costs by 3% EBITDA increase through effective negotiation, standardisation, VEVA/design to cost, BCCS, SCM, benchmarking, MoB, buy and resale, market analysis, relocation, outsourcing, insourcing and consolidation activities.
- Supervised formulation and implementation of category strategies with a rolling forecast by category.
- Set up SSC in Hungary including NPD, commodity and supplier quality function.
Manfred Wüst
Head of Purchasing and Project Procurement, Special Machine Engineering
Last position:
Head of Purchasing and Project Procurement, Special Machine Engineering at Client in Hamburg
- Leading the purchasing team
- Identifying cost saving opportunities and efficiency improvements in the procurement process and implementing process optimizations
- Developing and implementing procurement strategies in coordination with product management (CTO) and operations management (COO)
- Managing and selecting suppliers for high-quality and cost-effective products and services
- Negotiating purchasing contracts and framework agreements
- Monitoring material flow between suppliers, external manufacturing and assembly companies, and in-house production
- Ensuring compliance with quality and delivery standards in coordination with QA (production)
Alexander Döring
Interim Manager Procurement | Head of Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
Last position:
Interim Manager Procurement | Head of Procurement & Strategic Sourcing at Löwenstein Medical Technology GmbH & Co. KG
- Full responsibility for strategic and operational procurement, procurement management (11 FTE).
- Further development of the procurement organization, including task and role models.
- Steering of cross-functional special projects (e.g. value engineering, design-to-cost).
- Development and implementation of a holistic procurement and sourcing strategy focused on resilience, ESG, de-risking, decoupling and cost performance.
- Execution of a comprehensive procurement transformation with a realignment of the supply chain strategy.
- Reorganization of the procurement team to improve efficiency through clear role distribution and elimination of non-core tasks.
- Professionalization of contract management processes and supplier development programs.
- Process optimization along the S2C and P2P chain including standardization and automation in line with MDR (EU Regulation 2017/745), GxP compliance and quality management systems ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.
- KPI development and optimization of the performance measurement system for critical paths and shortage issues.
- Coaching the team on strategic purchasing and procurement, project management and due diligence in procurement.
- Implementation of AI-driven tools for sourcing, spend analysis and inventory management to optimize stock levels.
- Achieved approximately 31% inventory reduction through professional inventory management.
- Managed two cost-reduction (cost avoidance) programs with quantifiable results: ~50% reduction in manufacturing costs for a core component and ~64% reduction in material costs for the successor platform via redesign and category sourcing.
- Savings in the low double-digit million range compared to the baseline.
- Material categories: contract manufacturing, PCBA, EMS, blowers, silicone injection molding, power supplies, batteries, displays, hoses, masks, valves, foams, wiring, sensors, wireless modules (2G–5G), telemedicine components, laboratory services.
Hanna Achilles-Auferoth
Lead Interim Manager, Demand & Inventory Management, Corporate Strategic Purchasing Brands
Last position:
Lead Interim Manager, Demand & Inventory Management, Corporate Strategic Purchasing Brands at Douglas Cosmetics GmbH
- Leading the Demand & Inventory team, ensuring optimal stock levels and demand forecasting across European markets
- Developed forecasting models and optimized replenishment processes, reducing out-of-stock rates and improving stock turnover
- Prepared monthly stock and inventory reports for the Controlling department, including variance analyses and performance insights, providing the basis for financial steering
- Prepared executive-level PowerPoint presentations for board meetings, translating planning data into clear, decision-oriented insights
- Reported directly to the Board of Corporate Brands
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Marketing, Product, and Supply Chain teams to align forecasts with campaign calendars and new product launches
- Drove process improvements and reporting enhancements, increasing forecast accuracy and planning transparency across key stakeholders
- Initiated and led the drive-to-SharePoint integration test case within the English Demand & Inventory team, completed in just 7 days; adopted by the Digital department as a best practice to roll out across all Corporate Brands
- Provided support to the PwC team on a strategy & corporate communication restructuring project
- Successfully implemented a Net Sales Boost Plan across 13 countries within two months, achieving significant revenue growth while simultaneously reducing overstock levels
Said Romdhani
Interim Head of Purchasing
Last position:
Owner & Managing Director at CoreProcure
- Company focus: Consulting in strategic and operational purchasing and interim management for manufacturing companies (mechanical engineering, automotive, industry)
- Developing and implementing purchasing strategies to reduce costs, consolidate suppliers, and minimize risks
- Interim management to fill vacancies and increase efficiency in purchasing organizations
- Optimizing supply chain processes including KPI and performance monitoring
- Successfully delivered projects achieving over 15% cost savings and up to 25% improvement in delivery performance
- Advising on the selection and implementation of digital purchasing tools
Dirk Nold
Interim Vice President Procurement
Last position:
Interim Vice President Procurement at Kaiser+Kraft GmbH
- B2B retailer for business equipment
- Sales €590M, 1,450 employees (2024)
- Purchasing volume €350M, 3 departments / 20 employees, locations in Germany, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic
- Led the "Beat" project to achieve COGS savings / extend payment terms / reduce minimum order quantities, report on target achievement
- Strengthened collaboration with category management and warehouses
- Training & coaching of department heads/strategic buyers
Miroslav Nedinic
Head of Procurement
Last position:
Head of Procurement at Scheu-Holding GmbH
- Challenge: No procurement structure in place. Lack of transparency on costs and suppliers.
- Approach: Set up a 5-member team, introduced purchasing policies, category strategy and supplier development.
- Results: Over €1 million in savings through contract negotiations and supplier management. Established new KPI systems.
Ludovic Montécot
Interim Manager – Purchasing Manager
Last position:
Interim Manager – Purchasing Manager at Montecot Consulting
As an experienced interim manager, I took on challenging assignments in companies and carried out successful restructurings
Strategic thinking and focus on execution to boost operational efficiency, improve team performance, and accelerate company growth
Led numerous projects to enhance efficiency and drive growth
Ismail Akgün
Senior Management Consultant & Interim Management | Transformation, Restructuring, Procurement & Supply Chain
Last position:
End-2-End Supply-Chain Director, CWE at H+H Deutschland
- Overall responsibility for 4 teams and more than 40 FTE
- Supply chain management & logistics
- Procurement
- Customer service
- Transformation (business processes & ERP)
Umit Gunay
Interim Project Purchaser
Last position:
Project Procurement and Contract Management at TotalEnergies
Project procurement and contract management in CAPEX projects in petrochemicals – FEED-Phase and EPC-Phase with engineering partners, contractors and supplliers Tenders is SAP Ariba
Jens Adelsbach
Head of Purchasing, Materials Management and SCM
Last position:
Head of Purchasing, Materials Management and SCM at Lapp Mobility GmbH
Professional and disciplinary leadership of series and project purchasing
Professional and disciplinary leadership of materials management
Organization and process development according to IATF guidelines
Reorganization of purchasing and materials management
Developed Purchasing Roadmap 2025
Implemented Hoshin Kanri as the goal-setting system
Introduced a procurement tool for indirect goods
Cross-functional collaboration with interfaces
Established new suppliers in best-cost countries
Built a holistic supplier management system
Set up a training program for team development
Established purchasing controlling with SAP BI
Introduced holistic cost management in the company
Introduced an SAP-driven external KANBAN with container management
Optimized order cycles and inventory levels by using logistical supply concepts (PULL, KANBAN, consignment warehouse)
Conducted supplier workshop for sustainable optimization
Sub-project leader for ERP system migration from Navision to SAP
Qualification of electronics suppliers for new product development
Reorganization of purchasing (series and project purchasing)
Developed a KPI system based on SAP BI
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Procurement Directors statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
22 years
Position duration
3.2 years
Positions per freelancer
12
Top business areas
Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Project Management
Top industries
Manufacturing, Professional Services, Automotive
Certification focus areas
Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Finance
Bachelor's degree or higher
88%
Master's degree or higher
63%
Doctorate
6%
Certifications per freelancer
2
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
100%
Daily Rate Distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Average rates for Procurement Directors & Seniority distribution
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Procurement Director defines the strategic direction for an organization's purchasing activities. They manage supplier relationships, lead contract negotiations, and align procurement targets with overall business goals. They also oversee risk management and drive digital transformation within the supply chain.
An interim procurement leader offers immediate relief during sudden leadership gaps or major organizational transitions. They bring objective external expertise without the long-term overhead of a permanent hire. This flexibility is ideal for executing short-term restructuring projects or driving specific digital initiatives.
Modern procurement directors rely on advanced ERP and sourcing software to manage operations. They are highly proficient in platforms like SAP S/4HANA, SAP Ariba, Coupa, and Oracle Procurement. They also utilize advanced data analytics tools to monitor supplier performance and spending patterns.
In Germany, an experienced interim purchasing director must address specific regulatory demands, including the Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz. They implement robust compliance audits, diversify supplier bases to prevent bottlenecks, and establish transparent reporting lines. This ensures the company meets legal standards while maintaining operational resilience.
While a purchasing manager focuses on daily buying operations and short-term transactions, an interim head of procurement operates at a strategic level. They design long-term sourcing strategies, restructure supplier networks, and align the entire supply chain with global corporate objectives.
While strategic planning, vendor analysis, and system evaluations can be done remotely, key phases often benefit from an on-site presence. A freelance procurement director usually works in a hybrid model, visiting headquarters for stakeholder alignment and traveling to major suppliers for critical audits or negotiations.
Look for a proven track record in cost optimization, change management, and contract negotiation. A strong interim director should demonstrate deep industry-specific knowledge, experience with global supply chains, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams under pressure.
Success for an interim procurement director is typically measured by concrete operational achievements during the contract period. This includes achieved cost savings, improved supplier delivery times, successfully mitigated supply chain risks, and the smooth transition of duties to a permanent successor.
The average hourly rate for Procurement Directors in Germany is 141 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 1,127 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Procurement Directors in Germany, 88% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 63% hold at least a Master's degree, and 6% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers working as Procurement Directors in Germany have 22 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 3.2 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Procurement Directors in Germany are German (100%), English (100%), and French (23%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Procurement Directors in Germany are Manufacturing (86%), Professional Services (64%), and Automotive (59%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Procurement Directors in Germany are Procurement (100%), Supply Chain Management (95%), and Project Management (73%).
FRATCH Procurement Directors main locations
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a Free Demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
