Senior Program Manager, Procurement

Job Summary:

Messer Americas is driving a transformative digital evolution, positioned at the forefront of procurement innovation and technological advancement. The Sr. Program Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's future by orchestrating large-scale procurement transformation programs that deliver substantial business value and competitive advantage. This key leadership position is instrumental in implementing cutting-edge technologies and spearheading AI initiatives that revolutionize procurement operations across the enterprise.

As a catalyst for change, our Program Managers are entrusted with leading diverse, multi-discipline teams to execute strategic initiatives that directly impact the Messer's bottom line. This role is critical in driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and technological innovation that positions Messer Americas as an industry leader in procurement transformation. Through the successful delivery of these Procurement strategic initiatives, the Sr. Program Manager ensures that Messer Americas remains at the cutting edge of procurement technology and process innovation, creating sustainable value for the organization and its stakeholders.

Why Messer?

Messer is the world's largest privately held industrial gases Messer and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.

The true strength of Messer is our people-at every level and in every role.

Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive Messer with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.

Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter

Purpose of Position

The Sr. Program Manager leads critical digital transformation and procurement technology initiatives across the organization, with a special focus on AI implementation and process innovation. This role is responsible for executing large-scale procurement transformation programs while managing cross-functional teams across America's locations. The position requires expertise in developing and implementing AI strategies, while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and governance. The role drives business value through strategic automation initiatives, process harmonization, and technology implementation, particularly in procurement systems such as Coupa and SAP. The Sr. Program Manager will establish and maintain comprehensive governance frameworks, develop strategic roadmaps, and lead change management initiatives to ensure successful digital transformation outcomes. This position serves as a key liaison between technical teams, business stakeholders, and executive leadership, requiring strong capabilities in stakeholder management and strategic planning. Key focus areas include leading AI implementation projects, developing comprehensive assessment methodologies for use case evaluation, monitoring industry trends, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex global projects. The role requires expertise in performance and governance management, with demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and drive collaborative success across multi-disciplinary teams. This position combines strategic thinking with tactical execution, requiring deep expertise in digital transformation, process improvement, and AI implementation, while maintaining strong alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Procurement Digital Transformation Initiatives

• Develop and implement AI strategies and use cases for procurement operations, including Machine Learning and GenAI applications
• Create and maintain comprehensive AI assessment frameworks for use case evaluation
• Monitor industry trends, governance controls, and emerging technologies to identify strategic improvement opportunities
• Develop and launch AI knowledge-sharing initiatives across the organization
• Partner with Information Security and Tech teams for AI implementation and governance

Drive Procurement Excellence

• Drive best practices and operational excellence, in alignment with DSP Team
• Manage implementation and integration of procurement systems (Coupa, SAP) across multiple regions
• Develop and execute strategic frameworks for process automation and optimization
• Lead technical integrations between procurement platforms and enterprise systems
• Design and implement comprehensive KPIs and performance metrics for procurement operations

Program and Change Management

• Lead multiple cross-functional projects across global locations using Agile methodologies
• Drive process harmonization and standardization within procurement centers
• Develop and implement governance frameworks and standard operating procedures
• Manage stakeholder relationships across multiple organizational levels
• Lead change management initiatives and ensure successful adoption of new technologies

Strategic Planning and Business Partnership

• Develop strategic roadmaps and business cases for procurement technology initiatives to effectively present information to the Senior Leadership Team
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior business leaders
• Ensure alignment of procurement initiatives with corporate objectives
• Manage relationships with technology teams and implementation partners
• Monitor and report on program performance and value delivery

Financial and Operational Management

• Develop and manage program budgets and resource allocation
• Create and analyze financial models (TCO, ROI) for new initiatives
• Drive operational efficiency through process improvement and Lean methodologies
• Ensure compliance with Messer policies and regulatory requirements
• Deliver comprehensive project documentation and maintain effective stakeholder communication

Other Duties as Assigned

• Own strategic and tactical projects end-to-end, from Definition, Solution, to Implementation. You may be handed ambiguous, unstructured problems with little prescription on how to solve them.
• Partner with Performance Transformation and Technology teams to optimize facility and Portfolio management processes.
• Drive value optimization through data-driven analytics, leveraging procurement systems to create transparent KPI reporting and performance metrics that demonstrate measurable business impact.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven track record in implementing and managing procurement systems Coupa and SAP
• Experience in AI implementation and strategy development, including Machine Learning and GenAI applications
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams across multiple regions
• Strong background in process improvement and automation initiatives
• Experience in developing and implementing governance frameworks and KPIs
• Track record of successful stakeholder management at executive levels
• Experience in change management and organizational transformation
• Advanced proficiency in procurement systems (Coupa, SAP MM) and digital transformation tools
• Expertise in AI, automation applications, and system integrations
• Strong data analytics capabilities and KPI development experience
• Process improvement and Lean methodology knowledge
• Proven track record in program/project management and cross-functional team leadership
• Excellence in change management and stakeholder engagement across all levels
• Demonstrated ability in team development, mentoring, and vendor relationship management
• Strategic planning and roadmap development expertise
• Strong procurement business acumen and analytical problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to translate complex business requirements into technical solutions
• Results-driven approach with focus on operational excellence
• Innovation-focused mindset with strong attention to detail
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, especially with executive audiences
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively
• Multi-cultural collaboration capabilities
• Fluency in English required; Spanish and Portuguese preferred
• Adaptability and agility in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Strong relationship-building and influencing capabilities
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Ability to travel approximately 20% or as required

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in procurement technology implementation and digital transformation initiatives
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading complex program management, demonstrated through successful delivery of large-scale projects
• Agile/SAFe certifications
• Change Management certifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business or related field preferred
• Experience with near-shore and off-shore operations management
• Background in implementing and managing Coupa and SAP systems
• Experience in developing and maintaining strategic vendor relationships
• Track record of implementing automation solutions and technology-driven transformation initiatives
• Experience in developing and managing Centers of Excellence
• Background in Lean methodologies and process optimization
• Experience in managing procurement operations across multiple countries
• Track record of successful system integration projects
• International business experience, particularly in America's region

The salary range for this position is $114,000-$167,000 . Messer provides medical, dental, vision, short term disability, life insurance and paid time off as well as other voluntary benefits, such as, long term disability in accordance with the terms and conditions of these Plans. Employees are eligible to enroll in Messer's 401(k) Plan. Employees may be eligible to participate in the company's bonus program

About Messer:
Messer's safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another.

We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization - the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different.

If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030.