Senior Buyer - Raw Materials

Placements24; Willows (CA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Global health coverage

Executive-level bonuses

International travel opportunities

Cutting-edge procurement tools

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Buyer specializing in raw materials to join a global procurement team. The role is remote, focusing on strategic sourcing for essential chemical inputs across international facilities and suppliers.

The candidate will lead negotiations, monitor markets, and collaborate with R&D, production, and quality, ensuring supply security, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance while delivering significant cost savings.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, SCM, or MBA.
• 8+ years of procurement experience with raw materials in chemicals/pharma.
• Successful global sourcing, negotiation, supplier management.
• Knowledge of chemical markets, global logistics, regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, problem solving.
• Excellent leadership and communication; ability to influence.
• Proficient in procurement software and ERP.
• Remote-capable; able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for key raw materials, ensuring competitive pricing, quality, and supply chain resilience.
• Manage and foster strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers of chemical raw materials.
• Lead complex negotiations for major supply agreements, focusing on favourable terms and risk mitigation.
• Monitor global chemical markets, identify trends, and proactively manage price volatility and supply disruptions.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure alignment on material specifications and sourcing requirements.
• Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant EH&S and regulatory standards in sourcing activities.
• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives and optimize total cost of ownership for raw materials.
• Support the integration of new materials and suppliers into the supply chain.

Skills

Global sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationships

ERP systems

Chemicals knowledge

Analytical skills

Remote work

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, SCM, or MBA

Tools

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer in the chemical industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer specializing in raw materials to join their global procurement team. This role will be based remotely, allowing the candidate to operate from anywhere, contributing significantly to the company's strategic sourcing efforts for essential chemical inputs. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical markets, global supply chain complexities, and advanced negotiation techniques. You will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and security of supply for critical raw materials, supporting operations across various global facilities. Our client is committed to innovation, sustainability, and fostering a collaborative work environment, even in a remote setting. This is a prime opportunity for a seasoned procurement professional to leverage their expertise in a challenging and rewarding role. The impact of this role will extend across the company's global supply network, supporting facilities that may be near Welkom, Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for key raw materials, ensuring competitive pricing, quality, and supply chain resilience.
• Manage and foster strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers of chemical raw materials.
• Lead complex negotiations for major supply agreements, focusing on favourable terms and risk mitigation.
• Monitor global chemical markets, identify trends, and proactively manage price volatility and supply disruptions.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure alignment on material specifications and sourcing requirements.
• Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, safety, and regulatory standards in sourcing activities.
• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives and optimize total cost of ownership for raw materials.
• Support the integration of new materials and suppliers into the supply chain.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in procurement, with a strong specialization in sourcing raw materials, particularly within the chemical or pharmaceutical industries.
• Proven success in global sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical markets, global logistics, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in advanced procurement software and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and deliver significant cost savings.
• Must be highly organized and adept at working independently in a remote capacity.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level bonuses.
• Comprehensive global health coverage and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for international travel and professional growth.
• Full remote work flexibility.
• Access to cutting-edge procurement tools and technologies.
• The chance to contribute to a leading global chemical manufacturer.