Assistant Director Procurement Purchasing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Vanguard (AMVAC) is seeking a Director of Procurement for their chemical manufacturing business. The ideal candidate has extensive expertise in both direct and indirect categories across crop, non-crop, and biologicals businesses. This role will lead category management and buying teams guiding the development and execution of category strategies to support AMVAC’s global growth objectives. The Director will be responsible for driving the procurement strategy to ensure the efficient sourcing and delivery of goods and services that align with our strategic goals, fostering innovation and operational excellence across the organization.

 American Vanguard was founded in 1969 and is a diversified agricultural and specialty products company focusing on crop protection, turf and ornamental markets, and public health applications. The Company markets its product lines in the USA and internationally in 24 countries, including Brazil, Latin America, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries in Asia. American Vanguard has four primary multi-product chemical manufacturing facilities in the USA. In addition, the Company operates three biological manufacturing plants (in the USA, Mexico and India). American Vanguard's manufacturing facilities operate batch processing systems and synthesize chemicals and formulate those products into finished goods. 

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Director of Procurement will lead the sourcing strategy for a diverse portfolio including raw materials, contract manufacturing (tolling), and MRO across crop, non-crop, and biological products. Reporting directly to the SVP of Operations and Supply Chain, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the efficient procurement and delivery of materials that meet quality, cost, and time requirements. Your leadership will drive the development and execution of category strategies for both direct and indirect materials, ensuring alignment with AMVAC's operational goals and global growth objectives. You will be responsible for maintaining strong supplier relationships, optimizing procurement processes, leading cost saving initiatives, managing supply contracts, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. 

Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing strategies for direct and indirect categories, including raw materials, contract manufacturing, and MRO, aligned with AMVAC’s operational and growth goals
• Manage execution of category strategies, including supplier selection, contract negotiations, and performance to ensure cost-effective procurement
• Improve forecasting and lead times in chemical synthesis procurement focusing on predictive demand planning, supplier integration and sourcing optimization 
• Lead and mentor purchasing team members, driving performance through coaching, goal-setting, and alignment with business objectives
• Build strong supplier relationships, ensuring quality, compliance, and security while negotiating favorable terms
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, mitigate procurement risks, and monitor market trends to address supply chain disruptions
• Work closely with internal teams such as R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and supply chain to ensure alignment between procurement activities and the needs of the business
  

KEY SKILLS
 
 Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required - Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field 
• Masters' Degree / MBA a plus
• APICS CPP or CSCP certification preferred
• 10+ years in global procurement with expertise in direct and indirect sourcing (agrochemical experience preferred)
• Experience sourcing chemicals with a basic understanding of synthesis manufacturing
• Proven leadership in managing teams, executing cost-saving strategies, and aligning sourcing plans with business goals
• Track record of successfully collaborating with cross-functional teams (Operations, R&D, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Logistics)
• Strong financial management of procurement budgets and supplier performance

 Individual Skills

• Align procurement strategies with business goals
• Maintain a strategic procurement roadmap for growth
• Balance short-term needs with long-term objectives
• Lead cross-functional teams to drive procurement success
• Analyze market trends and supplier feedback
• Drive cross-portfolio procurement strategies

 Mindset & Behaviors

• Work well under pressure in an entrepreneurial environment
• Self-starter, motivated
• Must be able to work independently on assigned projects/programs
• Willingness to be hands-on, with the ability to delegate
• Flexible, Mature, Team player with strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Industry leading Medical, Dental, and Vision care
• Employer paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchasing Plan offered  (NYSE: AVD)
• Additional benefits include Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and more

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.