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Strategic Procurement Manager – Plastics & Chemicals

Location: Morristown, TN

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Strategic Procurement Manager to lead the procurement of raw materials and indirect/non-production materials across our client’s U.S. facilities. This role is critical to ensuring cost-effective sourcing, continuity of supply, supplier performance, and alignment with the company’s operational and business objectives.

The ideal candidate will bring strong procurement experience within the plastics and chemical industries, with demonstrated knowledge of key materials including resins, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), carbon black, and chemical additives. Working in a highly collaborative environment, the Strategic Procurement Manager will partner cross-functionally with Procurement, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Sales, Technical Services, and Operations to develop sourcing strategies, optimize costs, mitigate supply risks, and improve overall supply chain performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage purchasing requirements and procurement activities for the company’s facilities across the United States.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for raw materials, indirect materials, and key commodities.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQ/RFP processes, quotation analysis, total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations, and contract negotiations.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships through regular business reviews, supplier visits, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed procurement records, including supplier information, material specifications, pricing history, contracts, and supplier performance data.
• Conduct ongoing market analysis to identify market trends, cost drivers, supply risks, capacity constraints, and emerging technologies within the supply base.
• Develop commodity strategies designed to maximize purchasing leverage, ensure continuity of supply, and improve cost efficiency.
• Lead supplier negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives to achieve measurable savings while maintaining quality and service levels.
• Support annual material budget development, cost forecasting, and procurement performance planning.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for cost optimization, process improvement, and supply chain efficiency.
• Monitor supplier performance and lead corrective action initiatives when required.
• Identify and proactively mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier capacity, material availability, pricing volatility, and logistics challenges.
• Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, Technical Services, Sales, and Operations to ensure materials meet technical, quality, regulatory, and production requirements.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Maintain awareness of relevant industry associations, supply markets, commodity trends, and contract law as it relates to purchasing.
• Manage multiple procurement projects and initiatives independently while meeting established deadlines and objectives.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required for supplier meetings, audits, negotiations, and business reviews.

Qualifications:

Required Skills & Abilities:

• 5+ years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience, preferably within the plastics, chemicals, manufacturing, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of plastics and chemical procurement, including experience with materials such as:
• Resins
• Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)
• Carbon black
• Chemical additives
• Other polymer and specialty chemical materials
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation.
• Strong understanding of global supply chain principles and the factors that influence cost, availability, quality, logistics, and supply continuity.
• Proven ability to conduct supplier evaluations, market analysis, cost analysis, and total cost of ownership assessments.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Power BI for reporting, analytics, and procurement performance tracking is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and lead projects from conception through completion.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Knowledge of supply market trends, industry associations, and applicable contract law related to purchasing.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, or purchasing experience.
• Experience within the plastics, chemicals, coatings, polymers, or related manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing suppliers and procurement activities across multiple manufacturing facilities is an asset.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic procurement professional to play a key role in shaping procurement strategy and driving supply chain excellence across North America.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence supplier strategy, deliver meaningful cost savings, strengthen supply continuity, and collaborate with leaders across multiple functions of the business.

You will join a fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative environment where your procurement expertise will have a direct impact on operational performance and the company’s continued growth.