Job Summary

The Raw Material Buyer is a key contributor within the Procurement department of a global specialty chemical manufacturing company. This role is responsible for leading complex procurement activities, managing strategic supplier relationships, and driving cost optimization initiatives. The Senior Buyer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Global Procurement, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and R&D, to ensure alignment with business goals and compliance with industry regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for critical raw materials, packaging, and strategic services.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to support business objectives and cost savings.
• Manage high-value supplier negotiations and long-term agreements.
• Resolve escalated supplier issues, including quality, delivery, and compliance concerns.
• Oversee logistics coordination and ensure documentation aligns with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs to ensure import/export compliance.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and lead corrective action plans.
• Maintain ERP system integrity (JDE), ensuring accurate procurement data.
• Monitor and optimize inventory levels in collaboration with Supply Chain.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and contribute to policy development.
• Identify and evaluate alternative suppliers and materials for risk mitigation and innovation.
• Provide market intelligence and support sustainable sourcing initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships to enhance value delivery.
• Analyze purchasing KPIs and lead continuous improvement projects.
• Review and negotiate complex contracts in alignment with operational needs.
• Partner with Global Procurement on strategic sourcing and global initiatives.
• Lead cost reduction and change management programs.
• Support the Annual Operating Plan and contribute to budget planning.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required:

• Strong strategic sourcing and negotiation capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in MRP/ERP systems and business analytics tools.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• High level of business acumen and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong presentation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Experience in supplier development and risk management.
• Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to thrive in a global, matrixed organization.

Preferred:

• Deep understanding of chemical manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in sustainable procurement and supplier innovation.
• Familiarity with global trade compliance and customs regulations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in Procurement or Strategic Sourcing, preferably in the chemical industry.

Work Environment & Conditions

• This position is based in a regional office and may require occasional travel, including international travel. The work environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The Buyer will be expected to work cross-functionally with global teams and uphold the company’s values of integrity, respect, and collaboration.

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. It is Michelman’s policy to seek and employ qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which supports equal employment opportunity.

About Michelman

Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly advanced materials for industry, offering solutions for the coatings, printing & packaging, and industrial manufacturing markets. The company’s surface modifiers, additives, and polymers are used by leading manufacturers around the world to enhance performance attributes and add value in applications including wood and floor care products, metal and industrial coatings, paints, varnishes, inks, fibers, and composites. Michelman is also well-known as an innovator in the development of barrier and functional coatings, as well as digital printing press primers that are used in the production of consumer and industrial packaging and paper products, labels, and commercially printed materials. Michelman serves its customers with production facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, product development and technical service centers in several major global markets, and a worldwide team of highly trained business development personnel.

Michelman is proud of the values-focused work environment that we have crafted. We pride ourselves in our focus on our values of integrity, respect, success, collaboration, curiosity, and giving. With our dedication to your technical and professional growth in addition to our rigorous onboarding experience, we guarantee that you will find yourself challenged in new ways. We offer an excellent salary, incentive and benefits package in a dynamic, empowered team environment.

For more information about Michelman, please visit https://www.michelman.com/.

No phone calls, please. Michelman does not hire individuals who use tobacco products. All candidates will receive a drug test prior to beginning employment which will include a test for tobacco products.

It is Michelman, Inc. policy to seek and employ qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Michelman is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans