Global Procurement Manager - PAO Category and Chemicals

bp; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global energy company in Reading is seeking a skilled professional to lead the global strategy and supplier management for Poly Alpha Olefin (PAO) base stocks. This role involves driving cost reduction and supply resilience while collaborating with various teams, including R&D and marketing. Candidates should have sourcing experience and strong negotiation skills. The position offers a hybrid working model, supporting career growth and diversity in an inclusive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous paid parental leave

Excellent retirement benefits

Qualifications

• Tried global raw material category sourcing experience with responsibility for significant spend.
• Knowledge of PAO base stocks, additives and relevant chemicals markets.
• Strong contract management and high-value negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead global strategy development and sourcing for the PAO category.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that deliver cost savings.
• Drive supplier selection, negotiation and contract implementation.

Skills

Agility core practices

Analytical Thinking

Business Acumen

Category Strategy

Supplier Performance Management

Negotiation planning

Education

University degree or equivalent in a technical or commercial rigor

Tools

Advanced sourcing tools

AT Kearney Chessboard

Job description

Role Summary

Join bp's Global Procurement team to lead the global strategy, sourcing and supplier management for Poly Alpha Olefin (PAO) base stocks and key additives and chemicals. Drive cost reduction, supply resilience and best‑in‑class buying across a ~£0.2bn global spend! Partner closely with R&D, Sales and Marketing, Technology and Supply Chain to embed technical‑commercial trade‑offs into formulation decisions and deliver measurable value and risk mitigation for the business.

What you will do

• Lead global strategy development, execution and sourcing for the PAO category and regional chemicals/additives.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that deliver cost savings, supply optionality and resilience.
• Drive global supplier selection, negotiation and contract implementation for PAO and chemicals categories.
• Handle supplier relationships and performance against contract, driving continuous improvement year‑on‑year.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain, Technology, Sales and Marketing as well as R&D during product development to ensure decisions align with category strategy and cost objectives.
• Optimise PAO usage versus Group III/III+ base stocks through cross‑functional value engineering and spend optimisation.
• Use advanced sourcing tools and rigorous cost and value analysis to lead and optimise a ~£0.2bn global spend.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety and corporate procurement standards.
• Maintain and develop collaborative relationships internally and externally to support delivery of category outcomes.

What you will need to be successful

• Education (non‑mandatory): University degree or equivalent in a technical or commercial rigor.
• Experience: Tried global raw material category sourcing experience with responsibility for significant spend and delivery of measurable savings and risk mitigation.
• Technical knowledge: Knowledge of PAO base stocks, additives and relevant chemicals markets.
• Sourcing tools: Practical experience with advanced sourcing, e‑optimisation tools and frameworks; familiarity with AT Kearney Chessboard.
• Contract and negotiation: Strong contract management and high‑value negotiation skills across global supplier bases.
• Partner management: Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence in a global matrix organisation across Marketing, Sales and Marketing Supply Chain, Technology and commercial teams.
• Analytical skills: Rigorous cost/value analysis capability and data‑driven decision making.
• Behaviours: Strategic thinker, curious, resilient, effective communicator and shown team collaborator.

Desirable skills and experience

• Previous experience in lubricants, base stocks or petrochemical supply chains.
• Experience in formulation cost optimisation and technical‑commercial trade‑offs.
• Track record of leading supplier development, joint improvement programmes or supplier innovation partnerships.
• Experience in global procurement transformation or centre‑led category management models.

Why join us

At bp we support career growth in a diverse and exciting environment and strengthen our team through diversity. We offer benefits to help work fit with life including flexible working options, generous paid parental leave and excellent retirement benefits. We will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation during the application and interview process.

Travel Requirement

Up to 25% travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills

Agility core practices, Agility tools, Analytical Thinking, Business Acumen, Business Requirements Analysis, Category spend profiling, Category Strategy, Cost modelling, Digital Fluency, Negotiating, Negotiation planning and preparation, Product and market intelligence, Supplier Performance Management, Supplier Relationship Management, Value creation and management

Legal Disclaimer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp's recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending on your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.