Strategic Buyer - MRO Indirect Materials

About the role

OXEA Corporation, a world leader in Oxo chemicals, is seeking a Strategic Buyer to process Procurement activities for our USA plants. This role supports project execution by working with internal stakeholders to determine needs and requirements in conformance with OXEA Purchasing Policies and Procedures. The Strategic Buyer will develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives aligning with business objectives, ensuring long-term sustainability through competitive contracts, market analysis, and supplier performance evaluation. This position can be based in Houston or Bay City.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic initiatives and objectives to drive business growth while maintaining capital discipline.
• Build a strong understanding of assigned categories, strategic business direction, and requirements by staying updated on market trends and collaborating with internal stakeholders.
• Process purchase orders for daily maintenance, operations, and repair activities, including stock and non-stock items, services, turnarounds, work, and project orders.
• Coordinate and manage all activities during the purchasing process, including procurement master data, transportation monitoring, and invoice review to ensure timely vendor payments.
• Build and maintain effective supplier and vendor relationships; oversee key supplier interfaces to enhance Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
• Maintain key performance metrics for assigned categories and suppliers.
• Ensure requisitions and purchase orders adhere to OXEA’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
• Expedite open orders and provide weekly status updates to stakeholders and the Procurement Manager.
• Lead and evaluate supplier RFQs using negotiation and procurement analysis techniques.
• Manage purchase order disputes to ensure fair and timely resolution, escalating when necessary with support from the Procurement Manager and Legal.
• Maintain compliance with ISO processes, participate in internal and external audits, and ensure timely closure of findings.
• Handle new vendor setup and ensure compliance with vendor master requirements.
• Provide updates on the AP Block Report and collaborate with requestors to update purchase orders for payment.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Environmental, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and Contracts Specialist to reduce costs, improve lead times, drive innovation, and enhance efficiencies.
• Identify and implement procurement-to-pay process improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7+ years of related experience in MRO Category Management.
• Experience with cost analysis, strategic contracts management, and supplier negotiations.
• Experience with material, service, and project procurement.
• Background in a plant environment, with knowledge of MRO, pumps, rotational equipment, turnarounds, maintenance, and operations (preferred).
• Experience developing strategic category initiatives around vendor consolidation, cost savings, inventory optimization, etc.

Skills

• High-level negotiation skills (tactical, strategic, techniques).
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong SAP experience (OLA, Auto PO, MRP, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Health Equity Health Fund for health and dependent care.
• Disability benefits.
• Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid Time Off for work/life balance.
• Competitive salary, bonus, 401(k) plan with match, and profit-sharing match.