How to Hire a Fractional Procurement Director
Complete guide to finding, evaluating, and hiring the right fractional Procurement Director for your organisation. What to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
The Hiring Process
Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks from brief to start
Define Requirements
1 weekClarify what you need: key categories to address, savings targets, team situation, and days per week required
Candidate Search
1-2 weeksWe identify qualified Procurement Directors with relevant experience, MCIPS credentials, and proven track records
Initial Interviews
1 weekScreen candidates for strategic fit, category expertise, and cultural alignment with your organisation
Deep-Dive Assessment
3-5 daysRequest a procurement audit proposal, check references, and assess specific savings opportunities
Contract & Onboard
3-5 daysFinalise terms, set KPIs, and begin with supplier landscape review and quick-win identification
What to Look For
| Criteria | Importance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| MCIPS Qualification | High | Professional recognition and ongoing CPD commitment |
| Savings Track Record | Critical | Quantified savings from previous roles demonstrates capability |
| Category Expertise | High | Relevant category experience accelerates impact |
| Team Leadership | Medium | Important if you have a procurement team to manage |
| System Experience | Medium | P2P and e-sourcing tool experience if transformation planned |
| Industry Experience | Medium | Helpful but not essential - transferable skills matter more |
Red Flags to Watch For
No quantified savings
If they can't cite specific savings figures from previous roles, question their impact
Pure consulting background
Consultants advise; you need someone who owns outcomes and leads teams
No supplier references
Strong procurement leaders have suppliers who will vouch for their professionalism
Unclear on your categories
If they can't quickly identify key opportunities in your spend, they may lack strategic thinking
Overcommitted to other clients
More than 3-4 clients suggests stretched attention and availability issues
Available Fractional Procurement Directors
Key Interview Questions
"What's the largest procurement savings you've delivered and how?"
Why ask: Tests quantifiable impact and strategic approach
"How would you approach our top 3 spend categories?"
Why ask: Assesses strategic thinking and category knowledge
"Describe a difficult supplier negotiation and how you handled it"
Why ask: Reveals negotiation style and relationship skills
"How do you balance cost savings with supplier relationships?"
Why ask: Shows understanding of long-term value vs short-term gains
"What procurement systems have you implemented?"
Why ask: Assesses digital transformation capability
"How do you prioritise when everything seems urgent?"
Why ask: Tests practical experience managing competing demands
Common Hiring Questions
Written by a Practicing Fractional Executive
Dan Keegan
Founder & Fractional GTM Expert
With over 15 years of experience in executive leadership, go-to-market strategy, and business development, Dan brings real-world fractional expertise to help professionals navigate the executive job market.
Dan founded Fractional Quest after working as a fractional executive himself, understanding firsthand the challenges of finding quality opportunities and the value fractional leaders bring to growing businesses.
Prior executive experience includes
Current fractional client
OneUp Productions
Gaming & Esports Production
Fractional GTM LeadThe Challenge
OneUp Productions needed to expand into new international markets but lacked the in-house expertise for go-to-market strategy. They needed senior GTM leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Our Approach
Engaged as Fractional GTM Lead to develop and execute market expansion strategy, working 2-3 days per week alongside the existing leadership team.
Cost Effective
Senior GTM expertise at a fraction of full-time hire cost
Immediate Impact
Hit the ground running with proven playbooks
Flexible Scale
Adjusted involvement as needs evolved
Ready to Hire a Fractional Procurement Director?
We help you find the right procurement leader for your organisation. Pre-vetted, MCIPS-qualified candidates with proven track records.