Category Manager (Procurement Specialist)

NewMarket Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is the parent company of Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) and Calca Solutions (Calca). Afton is a leading manufacturer and marketer of performance-enhancing fuel and lubricant additives with operations around the world. Ethyl distributes gasoline performance additives throughout North America and provides terminal storage and distribution services from its Houston, Texas facility. AMPAC is a U.S. manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. Calca is the leading U.S. manufacturer of UltraPure and high-purity hydrazine, most notably used for in-space propulsion by satellites, space probes, and other space vehicles. Calca’s hydrazine derivatives play a vital role in the manufacture of products used in agricultural, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and industrial applications.

About the role

Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost-effective supply of a portfolio of raw materials, goods, and services necessary to support Afton business goals and operations, including but not limited to production facilities, contract manufacturing facilities, resale operations, R&D facilities, and corporate departments. This position typically manages more than $50MM in annual spend with high-volume, business-critical materials, products, or services. The role focuses on strategic procurement (60%) over tactical procurement and operates under direction and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supplier relationships to negotiate and maintain price and supply conditions, ensuring commercial terms are optimized, supply is maintained, contracts are implemented and managed, and SAP data is up to date.
• Understand the market for raw materials, products, and services, identifying factors influencing availability and pricing ("know the buy") to anticipate, manage, and communicate significant market changes.
• Identify and select sources for assigned raw materials, products, and services, working with suppliers to find new sources within the existing portfolio and new technologies that may benefit Afton, sponsoring and supporting approvals as needed.
• Prepare, maintain, and communicate long-term sourcing strategies to support the Long Range Plan (LRP) at regional and global levels, ensuring raw material, product, and service availability and economics align with business needs.
• Develop and maintain volume and price forecasts for use with suppliers and internal communication, including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process.
• Monitor quality and consistency of raw materials, products, and services via the Supplier Care System (SCS) to record and resolve quality issues.
• Consult with Process Technology, R&D, Manufacturing, and other departments to investigate and resolve quality issues quickly and effectively.
• Collaborate with regional and global Afton purchasing team members to identify synergies and maximize strategic purchasing initiatives.
• Employ strategies to ensure business continuity objectives are met.
• Consult with Business Group, R&D, Manufacturing, and Process Technology to provide insights on competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives, and quality, service, price, and distribution issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Business, Economics, Math, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 7 or more years of relevant or related experience, demonstrating strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Procurement or directly relevant sales experience.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or MBA).
• Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant, or chemical industry.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification (e.g., CIPS).
• For NewMarket, Afton, or Ethyl employees, an appropriate combination of experiences may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements.

Skills

• High personal credibility and ethics.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of market economics, cost drivers, and value chains (ideally within the chemical industry).
• Ability to manage conflicting and rapidly changing priorities, prioritize effectively, and deliver to deadlines.
• Effective negotiation, facilitation, and conflict management skills.
• Self-starter with strong business acumen and the ability to link business goals and market trends to make sound procurement decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build consensus.
• Strong strategic and analytic approach to procurement, with knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and practices.
• Broad knowledge of contract writing and management principles.
• Demonstrated computer literacy with Afton's routine applications.
• Team-oriented leadership dedicated to continuous improvement, maximizing productivity and effectiveness, and promoting best practices.
• Effective listening skills.

Benefits

• 100% Company-funded Pension Plan.
• 401k Savings Plan with company match.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Paid Vacation.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• Life Insurance.
• Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance.
• Identity Theft Insurance.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $82,000 - $110,000. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries. Individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This range reflects base salary only and does not include the value of benefits provided.