Buyer- Direct Materials

Ascend Performance Materials; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in high-performance chemicals seeks a strategic sourcing Buyer in Houston. The role involves implementing sourcing strategies for key raw materials, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing procurement processes. Ideal for a rising talent in the chemical industry.

Benefits

On-site medical clinics

Global wellness rewards program

Employee-driven recognition plan

Qualifications

• 4+ years in commercial or supply chain roles, preferably in chemicals.
• Expertise in data management and visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute sourcing strategies for critical materials.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts.
• Lead troubleshooting for supply issues.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation

Relationship Management

Education

BS/BA in Business

MBA

Tools

SAP

Excel

Tableau

Data Warehouse

Job description

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend is currently searching for a strategic sourcing Buyer to join the downtown Houston office’s Direct Materials Procurement team, concentrated on commercial and supply chain-focused duties. This position will be responsible for implementing sourcing strategies for key raw materials—including critical chemicals, catalysts, and precious metals—that are essential to Ascend’s global manufacturing operations. The Buyer plays a key role in ensuring continuous supply, optimizing cost, and supporting the seamless execution of procurement operations.

This individual manages all aspects of the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process for assigned categories, including vendor onboarding, master data updates, pricing maintenance, price variance analysis, and cost control. The role also includes ownership of inventory optimization, supporting working capital objectives through well-informed stockholding recommendations. The Buyer works closely with Category Managers to ensure transactional execution aligns with broader sourcing strategies and evolving commercial priorities.

When supply disruptions occur, the Buyer is expected to lead troubleshooting efforts, coordinate cross-functional response, and drive resolution with urgency and accountability—while escalating and aligning with Category Managers where strategic decisions or supplier negotiations are involved.

The Buyer also has hands-on ownership of precious metals management, including full coordination of reclaim activities, inventory tracking, lease administration, and accurate recordkeeping in collaboration with suppliers, refiners, and internal Finance teams. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain cross-functional exposure and contribute meaningfully to both the strategic and operational performance of Ascend’s Direct Materials organization.

Note this role is ideal for a rising commercial talent seeking to build a long-term career in the chemical industry. Join a high-performing procurement organization with a strong track record of career progression, market leadership, and impactful strategic work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute sourcing strategies for assigned raw material categories, including critical chemicals, catalysts, and precious metals, in alignment with Category Managers.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiations, and contracts to maximize value and ensure supply reliability.
• Manage all aspects of the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process: vendor onboarding, material master data updates, pricing maintenance, and invoice issue resolution.
• Monitor and analyze price variances, track savings, and implement cost control measures to ensure procurement aligns with budget targets and category savings goals.
• Own inventory optimization for assigned categories, including developing stockholding recommendations in collaboration with the Sites and Planning Leaders.
• Lead supply issue troubleshooting and coordinate cross-functional response to ensure timely resolution; escalate as needed to Category Managers for supplier engagement or strategic action.
• Coordinate all precious metal reclaim activities and maintain accurate, auditable records of inventory, lease positions, and transfers.
• Leverage data and analytics to support decision-making and provide actionable insights to Category Managers, Senior Leadership, and other internal stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and lead process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and automation of the P2P process.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Own assigned categories by building strong supplier relationships, proactively identifying savings opportunities, and delivering on defined productivity and cost objectives.
• Attain expert-level proficiency in the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process and supporting systems (SAP, Evolve, Tableau, Data Warehouse), while driving continuous improvement and supporting automation initiatives.
• Lead resolution of supply and transactional issues with urgency and autonomy, ensuring continuity and freeing up Category Managers to focus on strategic execution.

REPORTS TO

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• BS/BA in Business, Supply Chain, or a Technical field. MBA preferred but not required.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in commercial or supply chain roles ideally within the chemical, petrochemical or refining industries.
• In-depth ERP knowledge (SAP preferred) with advanced Excel skills is a must. Expertise in data management and/or data visualization tools is highly desirable.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Robust analytical skills with the ability to prioritize multiple issues effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage and align effectively with internal teams; also demonstrates assertive, diplomatic communication with external partners.
• Strong aptitude for negotiation with a high level of commercial awareness, relationship management skills, professionalism, and agility.
• Ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and fast-paced environments with confidence.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Skills Summary:

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.