Company Name
Elektrik
Search Job Title
Head of Procurement
Client Profile
Elektrik is a tech-enabled distributor and procurement platform specializing in medium-voltage electrical equipment and components. The company combines technology-enabled sourcing with relationships across leading manufacturers to simplify procurement for electrical distributors, contractors, and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms supporting markets such as data centers, renewable energy, utilities, and commercial infrastructure. Backed by growth equity firm Lead Edge Capital, Elektrik has experienced rapid growth while expanding its product offering, distribution footprint, and technology platform.
Role Objectives & Challenges
Elektrik's rapid expansion created the need to establish greater structure and discipline within its purchasing organization. Procurement activities had historically been highly decentralized, with sales personnel frequently issuing purchase orders directly to suppliers. As purchasing volume increased, this approach created missed opportunities to consolidate orders, meet freight minimums, negotiate more effectively, and leverage the company's growing purchasing power.
The newly created Head of Procurement would centralize these activities and build a more sophisticated procurement function capable of supporting the company's next stage of growth. The position required expertise in supplier relationship management, commercial negotiations, international sourcing, inventory and working capital management, and procurement process development.
Finding the right candidate required more than traditional purchasing experience. Elektrik wanted someone who understood wholesale distribution, preferably electrical distribution, but who could also thrive in a fast-moving environment where responsibilities would continue to evolve. The successful candidate needed enough structure and experience to professionalize procurement without introducing redundant organizational complexity into an entrepreneurial organization.
Our Approach to Solve the Search
SCM Talent Group developed a two-pronged search strategy that targeted both candidates already located in Utah and qualified procurement leaders who could potentially relocate.
Industry experience was a major consideration. The search initially concentrated on established electrical distributors, where candidates would understand the supplier landscape, purchasing agreements, inventory requirements, and nuances of electrical distribution. SCM Talent Group then expanded into other wholesale distribution environments to identify purchasing, procurement, and sourcing leaders with transferable experience.
The search ultimately demonstrated the importance of local market expertise. While relocation was available, the strongest engagement came from candidates already in the region. SCM Talent Group worked directly with executive leadership throughout the process and presented a focused slate of four candidates, all of whom were local and interviewed by the company.
The Hire & Results
The successful candidate came directly from the electrical distribution industry and brought extensive experience across purchasing, inventory management, supplier negotiations, sales operations, and electrical products.
The hire brought a proven track record of improving purchasing performance, negotiating with suppliers, and optimizing inventory. The successful hire brought extensive experience in electrical distribution, including purchasing, inventory management, supplier negotiations, and multi-location operations. Their background provided the industry knowledge and procurement expertise Elektrik needed to strengthen supplier relationships and build greater structure around its rapidly growing purchasing function.
SCM Talent Group identified the eventual hire within approximately two weeks of launching the search. After evaluating four candidates, Elektrik selected that candidate to build and lead its procurement function. From search kickoff to the new Head of Procurement's first day was approximately two months.
The placement gave Elektrik an experienced electrical distribution procurement leader capable of immediately strengthening supplier negotiations and purchasing discipline while building the scalable procurement infrastructure needed to support the company's continued growth.
