CASE STUDY
HORSE Powertrain - Sourcing Procurement Leadership for a Global Automotive JV
HORSE Powertrain, a new global joint venture between Renault Group and Geely, is focused on developing next-generation low-emission internal combustion and hybrid powertrains. As the business rapidly scales its standalone operations, HORSE Powertrain UK needed to secure senior-level procurement leadership to help shape its supplier strategy and commercial infrastructure.
Challenge: Building Procurement Capability in a Newly Formed JV
With the UK entity in its early stages of growth, HORSE Powertrain required a Senior Procurement Managerwho could step into a high-responsibility role from day one, blending strategic procurement thinking with hands-on delivery across direct and indirect categories.
The brief called for someone with deep automotive supply chain knowledge, strong commercial judgement, and the confidence to operate within a newly formed organisation still developing its internal structures and systems. Identifying this blend of technical expertise, stakeholder maturity, and adaptability within a start-up JV context presented a unique challenge.
Key Search Data & Process Insights
Role Hired
Senior Procurement Manager – leading sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, contract governance, and cross-functional alignment for UK operations
Time to Shortlist
9 working days
Time to Hire
26 days from initial briefing to offer acceptance
Interview Process
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Stage 1: Virtual interviews with UK leadership team
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Stage 2: In-person final interview and case-based discussion
Candidate Profile Requirements
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Strong track record in procurement within automotive or advanced manufacturing
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Experience working in matrixed and fast-paced, evolving environments
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Proven ability to lead supplier negotiations and manage strategic sourcing at scale
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Comfortable working across borders and with multi-national JV stakeholders
Additional Value Delivered
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Mapped and assessed a targeted pool of procurement talent from Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs
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Provided benchmarking and market salary insight to support offer structure
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Acted as a strategic partner to a newly forming UK team, advising on role positioning and future succession
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Delivered full process management and candidate engagement across a competitive market
Result
The successful hire is now embedded within HORSE Powertrain’s UK leadership team, driving procurement process development, supplier engagement and category strategy in alignment with the organisation’s global objectives. Their arrival marks a critical step in building the foundational capability required to support growth, innovation and cost efficiency across the business.
This assignment reflects ECW Search’s strength in supporting newly formed or scaling automotive ventures, delivering procurement, supply chain and operations leadership with pace, precision, and deep sector understanding. Our close collaboration with HORSE Powertrain enabled us to secure top-tier talent in a high-demand, low-supply market.