- Develop and implement procurement strategies for raw materials, including graphite feedstocks, petroleum coke, pitch, additives, packaging materials, and indirect supplies.
- Identify, evaluate, qualify, and maintain relationships with suppliers and service providers.
- Lead supplier bidding, RFQ, RFP, and contract negotiation processes.
- Analyze market trends, pricing, supply conditions, and industry developments to support sourcing decisions.
- Establish long-term supply agreements that balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk mitigation.
- Manage supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness, and compliance.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews and audits.
- Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies to reduce supply chain risk.Resolve supplier-related quality and delivery issues in collaboration with Quality and Operations teams.
Inventory & Production Support
- Collaborate with Production Planning and Operations to ensure uninterrupted material availability.
- Monitor inventory levels and purchasing activities to maintain optimal stock while minimizing carrying costs.
- Support maintenance and capital projects through the procurement of equipment, spare parts, and services.
- Coordinate procurement activities for plant shutdowns, turnarounds, and major projects.
Cost Management
- Identify and implement cost-reduction and value-improvement initiatives.
- Negotiate favorable pricing, payment terms, and contractual agreements.
- Monitor spending trends and procurement metrics.
- Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
Compliance & Systems Management
- Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical sourcing standards, environmental regulations, and applicable legal requirements.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage purchasing activities, supplier information, and inventory data.
- Support internal and external audits related to procurement activities.
Leadership
- Lead and develop purchasing personnel and procurement processes.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Provide regular reporting on procurement performance and strategic initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- Minimum 5-8 years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
- Experience negotiating contracts and managing strategic supplier relationships.
- Strong understanding of inventory control, MRP/ERP systems, and manufacturing operations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in graphite, carbon products, metals, chemicals, mining, refractory, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
- Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or APICS certification.
- Experience with SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar ERP platforms.
- Knowledge of commodity markets and industrial raw material sourcing.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to assess and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Strong financial acumen and cost management capabilities.
- Effective project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Data-driven decision-making and reporting skills.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Material cost savings and cost avoidance.
- Inventory turnover and inventory accuracy.
- Procurement cycle time.
- Supply continuity and production support.
- Supplier quality performance.
- Contract compliance.
- Working capital improvement.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing plant environment with periodic exposure to industrial equipment, dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
- Occasional travel to supplier sites, conferences, and company locations.
- Ability to work extended hours as necessary to support operational requirements and supply interruptions.
Qualifications
Behaviors
Preferred
Team Player : Works well as a member of a group
Motivations
Preferred
Self-Starter : Inspired to perform without outside help
Equal Opportunity Employer
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