Procurement Manager

Job Highlights

• Negotiate contracts and manage ongoing relationships with critical supply partners to promote and enforce satisfactory performance.
• Develop and present formal strategies to regional and global Procurement leadership to ensure corporate alignment and successful implementation.
• Analyze market structure, trends, technical developments and regulatory trends that impact competitiveness and/or affect availability and delivered cost of raw materials.
• Review and update input cost forecasts to support Business Unit (BU) budgeting, communicate key raw material issues with BU stakeholders to support uptime and profitability.
• Engage with internal site planning and business unit stakeholders to coordinate order placement of raw materials in accordance with established strategic directives.
• Conduct fair and effective bid processes; guide the implementation of new supplier programs as needed to ensure savings realization.
• Negotiate resolution of disputes, changes in contract scope and pricing with suppliers where applicable.
• Investigate, identify, and qualify new sources for raw materials with technical departments to maximize supply flexibility and lower costs.
• Ensure compliance of established departmental objectives with regard to supplier evaluations, sustainability initiatives, supplier visit reports, cost reduction reporting, etc. using the appropriate LANXESS tools.

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related field.  MBA is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years relevant strategic procurement and/or commercial contracting experience or an MBA with 3 years of relevant experience is required.
• Professional Certification (C.P.M., CPSM) is a plus.
• Previous chemical industry experience is strongly preferred. 
• Knowledge of basic chemical manufacturing processes and of the major factors that influence markets and prices for the major materials that are within the position’s responsibility.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with individuals at all levels of LANXESS and supplier organizations are required.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver persuasive argumentation in pricing and contract negotiations with vendors, as well as the ability to influence and persuade internal stakeholders to gain support for key procurement initiatives.
• Thorough understanding of the legal requirements and sensitivity of commercial contract law.
• Proven organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with minimal supervision.
• Must have the ability to organize diverse information, analyze and resolve disputes, understand internal customer requirements and make independent decisions.
• Strong analytical skills using PowerPoint and Excel.  Must have the ability to quickly master internal LANXESS tools such as: SAP BW reports, supplier and contract databases, e-sourcing platform.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• This is a HYBRID role with the expectation to be on-site in the Pittsburgh office at least three days per week every week.