Strategic Procurement Manager - Raw Materials

Job Highlights

Do you want to elevate your career by leading strategic procurement initiatives that secure cost-competitive raw materials for North American production sites?  You will have the ability to cultivate strong supplier relationships and leverage market insights to ensure a seamless and sustainable supply chain, while presenting impactful strategies to regional and global leaders.  Join us and be a part of our innovative team!

• Develop and recommend short- and long-term procurement strategies aimed at meeting raw material demand requirements for selected North American production sites in a manner that provides a secure supply of cost-competitive materials.
• Manage ongoing relationships with suppliers’ sales and internal business leaders.
• Analyze market structure, trends, technical developments and regulatory trends that impact competitiveness and/or affect availability and delivered cost of raw materials.
• Present formal strategies to regional and global leadership to enhance corporate procurement alignment and ensure the effective implementation of such strategies.
• Establish regional contracts from initial negotiation (including pricing, terms & conditions, etc.) through final agreement, with the approval of the appropriate LANXESS leadership.
• Negotiate resolution of disputes, changes in scope and raw material price changes with suppliers where applicable.
• Engage with internal site planning and business unit stakeholders to coordinate order placement of raw materials in accordance with established strategic directives.
• Present a “one voice” message to potential suppliers to conduct fair and effective bid processes; implement new supplier programs as needed to ensure procurement strategy execution.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• This is a HYBRID role with the expectation to be on-site in the Pittsburgh office at least three days per week every week.