Director, Procurement - Lubricants & Chemicals

Pilot Thomas Logistics; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

401k

Job summary

Pilot Thomas Logistics is seeking a Director of Procurement for Lubricants & Chemicals to lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, and negotiation across a nationwide network. You will manage a team, drive cost-saving initiatives, and optimize procurement workflows while ensuring compliance with PTL policies.

The role requires 8+ years in procurement (5+ in lubricants/chemicals) and strong leadership across multi-site operations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in procurement, with 5+ years in lubricants or chemicals.
• 3+ years of direct people management in a multi-site environment.
• Experience managing complex rebate programs (e.g., Chevron) and margin protection.
• Experience with procurement and spend management tools (e.g., Coupa, advanced ERPs).
• Proven track record of closing high-value, complex commercial contracts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cost verification/root-cause analysis for negative margin reports.
• Manage monthly pricing changes for key chemical categories (DEF, TEG, Methanol).
• Perform financial reconciliations, including vendor reconciliation reports and Chevron Rebate reconciliation, and approve freight costs via Coupa.
• Maintain strategic relationships with Tier-1 and Tier-2 manufacturers and suppliers; negotiate master agreements to drive cost savings.
• Source new vendors to expand the product portfolio and mitigate nationwide supply risk.
• Conduct forecast and stock-level analysis to align nationwide procurement with demand; optimize inventory turns.
• Direct cross-functional projects and executive-level initiatives; mentor buyers for growth.
• Partner with Accounts Payable and Technical Team on invoicing, vendor requirements, and quality specs.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Vendor management

Team leadership

Budget management

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain

Tools

Coupa

ERP software

Contract management software

Job description

The Director, Procurement - Lubricants & Chemicals leads the strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management for all lubricant and chemical product lines across our nationwide network. In this role, you will manage a team of professionals and drive organizational transformation to better support PTL, our vendors, and customers.

Candidates are able to live in one of the following markets: DFW, Phoenix, Houston, or Knoxville.

• Pay: Competitive base salary plus a bonus structure.
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance offered the first of the month after 60 days of employment. 401k available after 30 days.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct cost verification/root-cause analysis for negative margin reports
• Manage monthly pricing changes for key chemical categories (DEF, TEG, Methanol)
• Perform financial reconciliations, including vendor reconciliation reports and Chevron Rebate reconciliation, and approve freight logistics costs via Coupa
• Maintain strategic relationships with Tier-1 and Tier-2 manufacturers and suppliers; negotiate master agreements to drive cost savings and secure commercial terms
• Source new vendors to expand the product portfolio and mitigate nationwide supply risk;
• Conduct forecast and stock-level analysis to align nationwide procurement schedules with demand, optimize inventory turns, and prevent stockouts; drive deadstock initiatives to reduce slow-moving inventory
• Direct cross-functional projects and execute special projects assigned by executive leadership
• Coach and mentor buyers to elevate team capability and support their professional growth
• Partner with Accounts Payable to resolve open items and clarify lube-related invoice/credit postings; collaborate with the Technical Team on product changes, vendor technical requirements, and quality specifications
• Drive systems improvement by optimizing procurement workflows, standard operating procedures, and ERP data
• Maintains compliance with all PTL policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Management Functions:

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws
• Selects, trains, develops, and evaluates staff; addresses performance issues in a timely manner in partnership with HR
• Communicates goals, priorities, and organizational changes to direct reports
• Set goals for individual team members and area of oversight that align to company strategic goals
• Appraise team members performance against individual, departmental, and company goals and provide constructive and timely feedback to improve performance when needed
• Monitors and manages budget/cost center responsibilities for area of oversight
• Monitors, manages, and approves overtime for hourly team members where applicable, PTO requests, and leaves of absence for team members in Workday
• Ensures compliance with company policy and applicable regulations within area of responsibility
• Address complaints and resolve problems, up to and including recommending disciplinary action or termination in partnership with HR
• Analyzes complex business challenges, identifies root causes, and develops scalable solutions that align with long‑term company goals
• Promotes a transparent work environment, acts with high ethical standards, and ensures compliance with internal policies and external regulations
• Listens actively to diverse perspectives, remains approachable across all organizational levels, and prioritizes collective team success over individual recognition
• Mentors and empowers direct reports, supports continuous professional growth, and builds high-performing, resilient teams
• Navigates changing business needs, remains calm under pressure, and successfully leads teams through organizational shifts and market uncertainty
• At least 8+ years in procurement, with at least 5 years specifically in lubricants or chemicals, preferred
• At least 3+ years of direct people management and buyer coaching in a multi‑site environment, preferred
• Strong experience managing complex rebate programs (e.g., Chevron) and margin protection
• Experience with procurement and spend management tools (e.g., Coupa, advanced ERPs)
• Proven track record of closing high‑value, complex commercial contracts

Education:

A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Chemistry, or Engineering is preferred