Chemical Buyer I

Innospec Inc.; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Innospec Inc. in Salisbury, NC is seeking a Buyer to support production requirements by sourcing materials, negotiating with suppliers, and managing supplier performance to ensure continuity of supply.

You will review quotations, place and manage purchase orders, and monitor market trends while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will coordinate cross-functional activities, maintain accurate records, and address moderately complex issues with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical field is required.
• 2+ years in purchasing/procurement or related role.
• Proficiency in SAP and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication and analytical skills; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Source materials and manage supplier performance to ensure continuity of supply.
• Negotiate with suppliers and manage purchase orders for assigned categories.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and risks to mitigate disruptions.
• Evaluate suppliers, review quotations, and coordinate delivery schedules.
• Maintain documentation and records to support purchasing operations.
• Provide guidance to teammates and escalate complex issues as needed.

Skills

Purchasing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Technology

Related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Buyer supports production requirements by sourcing materials, negotiating with suppliers, and managing supplier performance to ensure continuity of supply. The Buyer ensures that purchased materials meet established quality, safety, and regulatory requirements and contributes to cost control, on-time delivery, and operational efficiency. The role requires solid purchasing knowledge, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to manage routine to moderately complex issues with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions

• Manage promotions, inventory turnover, and related cost considerations for assigned material categories.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions.
• Research products, evaluate suppliers, prepare, place, and manage purchase orders.
• Maintain organized product documentation and monitor backorders; source materials at the most competitive cost while balancing quality, reliability, and timely delivery.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to diversify and strengthen the supply base.
• Review and evaluate supplier quotations, select or recommend suppliers, and coordinate delivery schedules.
• Develop, maintain, and manage records and files to support efficient purchasing operations.
• Perform duties under general supervision, exercising sound judgment within established procedures.
• Address moderately complex issues independently and elevate more complex matters as appropriate.
• Demonstrate solid working knowledge of purchasing practices and category-specific products.
• May provide guidance, coaching, or informal mentorship to less experienced team members.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, or a related field required
• 2+ years of relevant experience. in purchasing, procurement, or a related role, preferably in a chemical, manufacturing, or industrial setting.
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong oral, written, communication and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Environmental Restrictions

• Ability to perform essential job duties in both indoor and outdoor environments, including offices, facilities, and external job sites.
• Regular exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, moving equipment, and uneven terrain.
• Physical requirements may include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and operating tools or equipment as necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Regular attendance and adherence to company safety policies are required.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.