Overview
The Procurement Manager is a strategic individual contributor responsible for leading site-level procurement operations while developing and executing category strategies aligned with US Procurement and Site Operations objectives. This role drives cost optimization, supplier performance, contract management, and procurement best practices for both direct and indirect goods and services, with a strong focus on Services supporting site operations.
This job is hybrid and requires 2-3 days on site at our new plant in Middletown, DE.
Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Category Management
- Develop and execute category strategies for Services spend, including supplier identification, strategic alliances, and cost driver analysis.
- Lead RFP/RFQ processes for major direct and indirect categories; evaluates proposals, negotiates commercial terms, awards contracts, and ensures compliance.
- Drive measurable cost savings and value creation initiatives at both site and corporate levels.
- Leverages aggregated spend across locations to negotiate optimal total cost of ownership (TCO) solutions.
- Establish and maintain supplier performance metrics and conducts periodic business reviews.
- Ensure procurement policies and procedures reflect industry's best practices and corporate governance standards.
- Implement data-driven sourcing strategies using spend analytics and market intelligence tools.
- Develop risk mitigation plans for critical suppliers, including supply continuity, geopolitical risk, and market volatility assessment.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Quality, EH&S, and Legal to align procurement strategy with business objectives.
Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated ability to operate as a hands-on strategic individual contributor.
- Strong negotiation skills balanced with the ability to build long-term supplier partnerships.
- Financial acumen with the ability to analyze cost structures and present business cases.
- Ability to prioritize savings opportunities and manage multiple sourcing initiatives simultaneously.
- Experience implementing or optimizing procurement systems, workflows, or digital tools.
- Understanding of supply chain risk management and business continuity planning.
- 5-10% domestic travel
Qualifications
Experience / Education
- BA/BS in Business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field required.
- Graduate degree in Business or Supply Chain preferred.
- APICS, CPM, CPSM, or similar professional certification preferred.
- 8+ years of direct and/or indirect procurement experience.
- 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience in chemicals, life sciences, biotechnology, or regulated industries strongly preferred.
- Experience working in a matrixed, multi-site, or global procurement environment preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with category management, strategic sourcing methodology, and contract lifecycle management.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling) required.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar) required.
- Experience with e-procurement platforms and supplier management tools (e.g., Ariba, Coupa, Jaggaer, or equivalent) preferred.
- Familiarity with spend analytics, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), and reporting dashboards preferred.
- Understanding of contract law fundamentals and commercial terms & conditions.
- Knowledge of ESG/sustainable sourcing principles preferred.
- Ability to influence stakeholders across functions without direct authority.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability 
