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Lauro Cantalupo
VP Group Procurement; up to 550M€ Spend; 8 Plants WW; Team of 40 personnel; 17yrs Automobile - available4opportunities
Professional Background
Lauro Cantalupo is a highly regarded Purchasing Director and Procurement Director with over 26 years of experience in the field of global sourcing and supply chain management. Currently available for new opportunities, Lauro has developed a remarkable career specializing in transforming and leading multi-site, multi-cultural purchasing teams for multinational companies. His comprehensive expertise spans various sectors, including automotive, industrial, and consumer products, operating in high spend categories ranging from €250M to €550M.
As a VP Global Sourcing, he significantly contributes to steering business strategy, actively participating in management committee discussions to influence decisions that drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With a talent for motivational leadership, Lauro has been instrumental in coaching junior buyers, empowering the next generation of procurement professionals. His approach to Supplier and Category Management encompasses everything from year-on-year savings to breakthroughs in quality, lead-time reduction, on-time delivery, and cash management.
Expertise in Procurement and Supplier Management
In his extensive career, Lauro has honed his skills in creating, managing, and overseeing procurement policies, procedures, and processes that integrate seamlessly with business requirements. His analytical mindset and data-driven decision-making strategies have transformed administrative functions into high added-value international teams renowned for their 'Cost-Killing' proficiency. Lauro is adept at resolving operational challenges creatively and proactively proposing solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
Additionally, Lauro's global reach encompasses long-term experience in low-cost country (LCC) purchasing across varied regions, including Asia, Europe, Mexico, and Africa/Middle East. His contributions have not only benefited organizations but also brought pride and career advancement to individuals within purchasing teams. Lauro actively fosters a culture of development and growth, ensuring that team members embrace their roles with pride and enthusiasm.
Education and Achievements
Lauro's educational background is rooted in a strong foundation laid at prestigious institutions, starting with his studies at Epsom College and Dubai College. He pursued his higher education with a BSc (Hons) in European Business at the Politecnico di Torino, equipping him with the knowledge necessary to excel in his procurement career. Additionally, Lauro refined his skills at INSEAD, gaining valuable insights into business management and leadership.
His academic journey combined with his extensive experience culminates in a rich professional portfolio. Lauro has worked with leading organizations, including Nidec Industrial Solutions, where he serves as the VP Procurement, and Magneti Marelli, where he held several key positions, including Group Chemicals Purchasing Manager and Senior Corporate Procurement Manager for Europe. Prior to that, he held various roles at Valeo, progressing through the ranks from Purchasing Director for both Italy and Spain to Group Purchasing Coordinator for Motor Components. Lauro’s diverse background includes pivotal roles with Toshiba and Philips Consumer Lifestyle, further enhancing his vast procurement acumen.
Notable Achievements
Lauro Cantalupo is recognized for his transformative impact on purchasing departments, driving meaningful improvements in operational productivity and cost savings. He has successfully built international purchasing teams from the ground up, reshaping functions to focus on higher-value activities. By adopting innovative strategies and focusing on supplier engagement, Lauro has consistently achieved significant improvements in procurement operations. His leadership has also resulted in the successful negotiation of critical commercial agreements and transformative partnerships that have positively impacted the bottom line of the organizations he has served.
As a multilingual professional fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, Lauro effectively navigates diverse cultural environments, enhancing communication and collaboration across global teams. His ability to adapt procurement strategies to align with varying market demands has further established him as a key figure in the industry.
In line with his commitment to continuous improvement, Lauro actively engages with his purchasing teams, encouraging them to evolve and adapt their roles according to dynamic business requirements. His mentorship approach fosters a passion for procurement while ensuring that team members contribute meaningfully to organizational goals, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth.
Achievements
- Established and led high-performing international purchasing teams from scratch, transitioning administrative functions into value-adding operations.
- Spearheaded significant cost reduction initiatives, achieving year-on-year savings in high spend categories from €250M to €550M.
- Developed comprehensive procurement policies and strategies that aligned with business objectives and improved operational efficiency.
- Led successful negotiations for critical commercial agreements that enhanced supplier relationships and operational performance.
- Mentored and coached junior buyers, fostering an environment of growth and confidence within purchasing teams.
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