Company Name
WestRock
Search Job Title
Procurement Manager
Client Profile
WestRock is a publicly traded coffee manufacturer that completed its IPO in 2020. The company operates within the beverage manufacturing industry and partners with global retail chains and supermarkets while also producing its own branded products. Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, WestRock boasts an annual revenue of approximately $870 million and a gross profit of $150 million.
Role Objectives & Challenges
The newly appointed Procurement Manager was tasked with leading the entire onsite finance team and aligning system-wide initiatives with the planning group. This role involved overseeing purchasing and planning operations, with direct reporting responsibilities to the Director of Purchasing and Planning. A key objective was to implement and manage changes that would enhance procurement processes, ultimately improving overall efficiency within the organization.
The primary challenge in this search was identifying qualified candidates within the Little Rock area, as the client was not open to relocation options. The role required a candidate with strong experience in managing people, leading organizational change, and a solid background in purchasing or planning teams. The limited availability of talent in the Little Rock area further complicated the search process, creating a condensed talent pool that required a focused and strategic approach.
Our Approach to Solve the Search
To address these challenges, we adopted a strategic and targeted approach to ensure a successful placement. We began by mapping out the local area within the consumer packaged goods industry to identify potential candidates who were already in purchasing or planning roles. Our recruitment efforts were concentrated on candidates with proven experience in managing people and leading change effectively. Additionally, we conducted an intensive screening process to ensure that the candidates not only met the technical requirements but also fit well with the company's culture and operational needs.
The Hire & Results
The search process began in late January 2024 and the final candidate was hired in April 2024. The successful candidate was identified about a month and a half into the search. The candidate brought extensive experience in the retail space, including both sales and marketing, making her an ideal fit for the role of Procurement Manager.
This placement has significantly strengthened the leadership within the procurement team, bringing new insights and strategies that have enhanced the team’s effectiveness. Her expertise in purchasing and planning has led to more efficient procurement processes, aligning well with WestRock’s strategic goals. Furthermore, by successfully identifying and hiring a local candidate, we met the client’s geographical constraints while fulfilling the role’s requirements.