Senior Project Procurement Manager

Ascend Performance Materials; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in high-performance chemicals seeks a Senior Project Procurement Manager in Houston. This role involves sourcing and negotiating procurement for capital projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery while collaborating with various internal teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and the ability to negotiate effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering.
• Experience working in an ERP environment; SAP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Project Management and Engineering teams to develop procurement plans.
• Lead price and terms negotiations with suppliers.
• Monitor market trends to ensure competitive pricing.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Problem-Solving

Negotiation

Organizational

Interpersonal

Education

BS/BA degree in related technical or business field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft 365

Ariba

Avetta

Job description

Join to apply for the Senior Project Procurement Manager role at Ascend Performance Materials.

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Company Overview

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 Project Procurement Manager to be located in our downtown Houston office. As a member of the Procurement organization, this role will be responsible for sourcing and negotiating the procurement of equipment, materials, and services for capital projects and turnarounds. The objective is to secure purchases at competitive prices, ensuring high quality and timely delivery, while adhering to company policies, performance standards, and mitigating risk.

Targeted Outcomes

1. Drive project procurement initiatives meeting project goals and aligning with procurement strategies.
2. Integrate short-term and long-term category management strategies in project procurement plans.
3. Identify and implement metrics, tools, and systems to ensure successful execution of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives related to projects.
4. Develop strong market knowledge and insight into project and turnaround pipelines.
5. Partner with key internal stakeholders in business, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, and technology to develop robust project procurement plans.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with Project Management and Engineering teams to develop procurement plans and conduct sourcing events for equipment, materials, and services.
2. Work closely with Engineering teams to address technical clarifications supporting proposal development and project execution.
3. Secure and evaluate quotations, lead price and terms & conditions negotiations with suppliers, and recommend suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness.
4. Lead weekly status meetings with stakeholders, providing updates on sourcing progress, risk assessments, needs to meet project deadlines, and bid analysis.
5. Engage with vendors to gather product or service details, including price, availability, and delivery timelines. Monitor requisitions and order status, resolving discrepancies in quantity or quality.
6. Ensure timely creation and accuracy of purchase requisitions and purchase orders in SAP.
7. Maintain organized purchasing records, strategies, reports, supplier databases, purchase order details, and price lists.
8. Coordinate quality control and engineering changes with suppliers to ensure alignment with project requirements.
9. Arrange sample submissions, inspections, site visits, etc., as required.
10. Assist in proposal development by obtaining and reviewing budgetary quotes as required.
11. Foster and maintain close supplier relationships.
12. Monitor market trends to ensure competitive pricing and supply chain stability.
13. Provide leadership updates as needed, highlighting key sourcing progress and challenges.
14. Participate in project planning meetings to ensure alignment between procurement activities and overall project execution.

Team

• Reports to Procurement Manager

Required Experience

• BS/BA degree in related technical or business field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering with a background in project management, strategic purchasing of equipment, materials, and services in support of business and manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of procurement systems and purchasing policies, procedures, and laws as well as project management best practices.
• Experience working in an ERP environment; SAP experience preferred.
• Six Sigma or Lean desirable.

Required Skills

• Strong communication, analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with chemical industry, equipment specifications, etc.
• Procurement Expertise: Understands business and procurement principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, production methods, and purchasing policies and procedures.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to build cooperative relationships with vendors and suppliers to negotiate favorable prices and terms.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent at managing multiple tasks simultaneously, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and follow through to achieve goals and deadlines.
• Interpersonal Skills: Able to foster positive team dynamics and interdepartmental cooperation to achieve project goals.
• Computer Proficiency: Skilled in using Microsoft 365, SAP, Ariba, Avetta, etc.
• Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret equipment general arrangement (GA) drawings, bills of materials, and equipment packing lists.
• Pressure Management: Capable of working effectively under pressure, meeting tight deadlines, and working independently with minimal supervision.
• Self-Motivation: Persistent, results-oriented, and proactive, with a strong sense of urgency to take initiative and achieve objectives.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates good judgment, maturity, and professionalism in all aspects of work.
• Attendance: Consistently maintains regular attendance during business hours.

Additional Information

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.