Purchasing Manager- Raw Materials

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that support production schedules and business objectives
• Source and procure raw materials, including polymers, monomers, surfactants, solvents, catalysts, and other specialty chemicals
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supplier agreements to maximize value while minimizing risk
• Identify and qualify new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing vendors
• Maintain supplier performance for quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness
• Ensure the uninterrupted availability of production materials while minimizing excess inventory
• Collaborate with Production Planning to forecast material requirements
• Manage inventory levels using ERP/MRP systems and establish appropriate reorder points and safety stock levels
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks affecting chemical raw materials
• Cookordination with Quality Assurance regarding supplier certifications, material specifications, and nonconforming materials
• Support new product development by sourcing materials and evaluating supplier capabilities
• Review purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders in accordance with company policies
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, and process improvements
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements related to chemical procurement
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier files, and contract documentation
• Resolve supplier disputes, delivery issues, invoice discrepancies, and quality concerns
• Prepare purchasing reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) for management review
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing and supply chain functions
• Supervise purchasing personnel, as applicable, including training, performance management, and professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree - Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field
• Experience: 7-10 years - Progressive procurement or purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience: 5 years - Supervisory or management experience preferred
• Licenses and Certifications: Experience in purchasing chemical raw materials is strongly preferred
• Licenses and Certifications: Experience developing strategic sourcing initiatives, negotiating supplier agreements, and managing long-term supplier relationships
• Licenses and Certifications: Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, Infor, or similar)
• Licenses and Certifications: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Licenses and Certifications: Knowledge of inventory management principles and production planning
• Licenses and Certifications: Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Licenses and Certifications: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Licenses and Certifications: Strong understanding of manufacturing supply chains
• Licenses and Certifications: Knowledge of commodity purchasing and market analysis
• Licenses and Certifications: Ability to negotiate complex supplier agreements