Procurement Specialist

About Us

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 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 emphasizes 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 maintained.
• Develop an understanding of the market for raw materials, products, and services purchased, identifying factors influencing availability and pricing to anticipate, manage, and communicate significant market changes.
• Identify and select sources of assigned raw materials, products, and services, working with the supplier base to find new sources and technologies that may benefit Afton, sponsoring and supporting approvals as appropriate.
• Prepare, maintain, and communicate long-term sourcing strategies to support the Long Range Plan (LRP) both regionally and globally, ensuring raw material 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, ensuring business continuity objectives are met.
• Consult with Business Group, R&D, Manufacturing, and Process Technology to provide information on competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives, and quality, service, price, and distribution issues.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

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

Preferred 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 above.

Skills

• High personal credibility and ethics.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of market economics, cost drivers, and value chains (ideally within the chemical industry).
• Able 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.

Who We Are

We're a diverse, global family of individuals who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity, and a commitment to safety and quality. These values extend to our neighbors and communities.

Our Work

At NewMarket, our innovative R&D programs drive global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives, and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits

Our employees are our most treasured asset, and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding their commitment. All full-time employees receive the following benefits:

• 100% Company-funded Pension Plan.
• 401k Savings Plan with a company match.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Paid Vacation.
• Short-Term Disability.
• 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 for this position.