Materials Sourcing Specialist - Plastics

Multy; Bethany; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Materials Sourcing Specialist to manage procurement of high-quality plastic materials. This role involves supplier management, cost-effective purchasing, and ensuring material quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, excellent negotiation skills, and experience in the plastics industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management.
• Experience sourcing plastic materials such as thermoplastics or elastomers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate suppliers for plastics raw materials.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Ensure purchased materials meet quality standards.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Relationship Management

Sustainability Initiatives

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

The Materials Sourcing Specialist will be responsible for procuring high-quality plastic materials used in manufacturing processes. This position involves working closely with suppliers and scrap producers, evaluating material options, ensuring cost-effective purchasing, and maintaining an optimal inventory level to meet production requirements. This role requires an understanding of the recycled plastic materials market, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple suppliers and purchase orders simultaneously.

Responsibilities

1. Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for plastics raw materials such as resins, waste feedstocks, additives, and compounds. Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential suppliers to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and delivery schedules. Conduct supplier audits and performance reviews to ensure compliance with quality and delivery standards.
2. Purchasing and Procurement: Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure the best possible deals. Place purchase orders, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance with company policies, and timely delivery of materials. Monitor inventory levels and forecast material needs to avoid production delays. Manage material lead times and keep track of delivery schedules to meet production timelines.
3. Cost Management and Budgeting: Assist in developing and managing the material procurement budget to ensure cost control and savings. Analyze market trends, price fluctuations, and alternative suppliers to find cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Track and report on material costs, identifying areas for potential cost reduction. Test market prices for raw materials and feedstocks regularly to ensure the company benefits from the best market value.
4. Product Development & Launch Planning: Maintain awareness of new product development projects and materials required to support new product statements of requirements (fit, form, function). Collaborate with product development and material science teams to create specifications for NPI materials and associated mechanical properties. Support new material development and trials with targeted feedstock sourcing based on required material properties.
5. Material Quality Control: Ensure purchased materials meet company quality standards and specifications. Work with Quality Control to investigate and resolve material quality issues. Collaborate with engineering and production teams to understand material requirements and address supply chain challenges.
6. Material Science & Formulation Development: Work closely with the Material Science Engineering team to optimize processing and mechanical properties of current formulations. Develop new formulations based on available raw materials. Validate processing and property improvements of new formulations prior to use. Address material performance issues based on customer and third-party feedback.
7. Data and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, supplier agreements, and inventory levels. Provide regular reports on material usage, stock levels, supplier performance, and budget status. Monitor market trends and potential risks to supply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, preferably within plastics or manufacturing industries.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CPSM) are a plus.
• Experience sourcing and purchasing plastic materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, or elastomers.
• Proven negotiation skills and supplier relationship management.
• Experience with sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly sourcing is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the plastics materials market, industry trends, and pricing factors.