Recruiting a pioneering CPO to transform procurement leadership

The organisation was moving from a tactical procurement approach to a strategic, value-driven function. Senior leadership recognised the need to recruit a transformational Chief Procurement Officer to drive change and build a high-performing leadership team. Initial efforts with a traditional search firm had limited success, prompting Investigo to step in with a more market-aligned, consultative approach.

Key challenges included: 

• Finding a CPO with both leadership skills and vision to transform procurement 
• Attracting a CPO who could bring a high-calibre leadership team to accelerate organisational maturity 
• Shifting a predominantly tactical function to a strategic model with limited internal experience 
• Building trust with senior executives while delivering a tailored recruitment solution 

Investigo partnered closely with the Chief Transformation Officer to understand culture, ambitions, and procurement maturity goals. Actions included: 

• Presenting a targeted shortlist of transformational CPO candidates 
• Focusing on candidates with proven ability to build strong, high-performing teams 
• Successfully placing a CPO who arrived with three exceptional Heads of function 
• Establishing a long-term exclusive partnership, subsequently delivering nine additional procurement professionals 

The strategic partnership achieved: 

• Recruitment of a pioneering CPO who drove transformation from day one 
• Formation of a scalable procurement leadership team 
• Delivery of nine additional hires to strengthen capability 
• Enhanced procurement maturity contributing to wider business transformation 

We are ready to help you build high-performing procurement leadership to drive lasting transformation.