Head of of material management (Head of procurement)

Ajax Systems is an international tech company and the largest manufacturer of security systems in Europe, with over 4.5 million end users and 330,000 PRO users in more than 180 countries worldwide. Ajax provides end-to-end solutions for protecting homes and businesses of any scale — from intrusion protection and video surveillance to fire safety, comfort, and automation.

The company was born during times of revolution and war. Resilience is embedded in our DNA, and our mission is to fight evil by creating the best security and automation devices in the world.

To support our global manufacturing growth, we are looking for a Head of Material Management (Head of Procurement) — a senior leader who will take full ownership of end-to-end material supply across all Ajax factories worldwide.

This role is critical to ensuring uninterrupted production, optimal timing, and best-in-class cost efficiency on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities::
• Own end-to-end procurement of components and goods for global manufacturing operations.
• Ensure full coverage of manufacturing programs (E2E) with materials across all factories.
• Define and drive global procurement and material management strategy, including a clear roadmap of sourcing and cost optimization initiatives.
• Lead and supervise the logistics function in close alignment with procurement and production.
• Own and supervise the planning function, ensuring accurate demand and supply alignment.
• Lead supplier negotiations, including pricing, terms, capacity, and long-term partnerships.
• Drive problem-solving with suppliers, ensuring fast resolution of risks and supply risks mitigation.
• Own cost performance and key procurement KPIs, including savings, payment terms improvement, and cost optimization without compromising quality.
• Oversee contract management framework with strategic suppliers, ensuring commercial, legal, and operational alignment.
• Own supplier sourcing, qualification, and long-term development strategy for global manufacturing needs.
• Lead, develop, and scale a material management organization (30+ people).
• Drive software development, automation, and digital tools to improve procurement, planning, and material flow processes.
• Ensure optimal balance of availability, timing, cost, and quality across the global supply chain.

Hard Skills::
• Proven experience in material management / procurement within a manufacturing business.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional teams (30+ people) in complex environments.
• Direct responsibility for a procurement budget of €200M+.
• Strong experience with GTD (Getting Things Done) or other execution-driven management approaches.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end supply chains, planning, and global supplier ecosystems.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including cost ownership and budget management.
• Excellent negotiation skills with global suppliers and strategic partners.
• Fluent English required for a global leadership role.

Soft Skills::
• High level of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to operate in a global, high-scale manufacturing environment.
• Strong decision-making under pressure and ambiguity.
• Think-like-an-owner mentality with a strong results focus.

Additionally::
• Location: Kyiv or Dubai.
• Willingness to travel extensively as part of a global role.

We Offer::
• Strategic leadership role with full ownership of global material management and procurement.
• Opportunity to build and lead a large-scale, complex procurement organization in a global manufacturing environment.
• Direct impact on production continuity, cost efficiency, and supply chain resilience.
• Ownership of transformation initiatives, including automation, digital tools, and software development.
• Work with global suppliers and production sites in a fast-growing international company.
• Ownership-driven, zero-bullshit culture with real influence on company strategy.
• Competitive compensation aligned with the scale and responsibility of the role.
• The chance to make a measurable impact on products used by millions worldwide.