Senior Specialist, Procurement Optimization

Celanese; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Celanese seeks a Senior Specialist, Procurement Optimization to oversee marine and terminal logistics, third-party terminals, and inventory management. You will coordinate with internal stakeholders, carriers, and service providers to drive operational excellence across the supply chain.

The role requires 5+ years in marine/terminal ops, strong Excel/ERP skills, and a Six Sigma background. Travel in Houston/Dallas areas may be required; familiarity with SOX compliance and budgeting is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent in experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in marine and/or terminal operations.
• Strong understanding of chemical marine transportation and terminal operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with ERP or data management systems.
• Six Sigma training or certification preferred.
• Willingness to travel periodically within the Houston and Dallas areas.

Responsibilities

• Oversee third-party liquid terminal operations and performance.
• Manage marine cargo planning, execution, cargo quality reviews, and inventory control.
• Support marine trade lane management and strategic sourcing through contract execution and carrier coordination.
• Lead monthly and annual inventory reconciliation activities.
• Ensure compliance with SOX controls and company policies.
• Own operating budgets and cost centers, including forecasting and cost management.
• Conduct incident investigations and implement preventive and corrective actions.
• Review and approve operational invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Support truck, rail, and ISO container loading operations.

Skills

Marine transportation knowledge

Terminal operations

Analytical skills

Communication

Troubleshooting

Process optimization mindset

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview:

The Senior Specialist, Procurement Optimization is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of marine and terminal logistics activities. This role oversees third-party liquid terminals, marine cargo operations, inventory management, transportation loading operations, compliance requirements, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position works closely with internal stakeholders, terminal operators, carriers, and service providers to ensure operational excellence across the supply chain.

This position can be located in either Pasadena, Texas, or Irving, Texas.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee third-party liquid terminal operations and performance.
• Manage marine cargo planning, execution, cargo quality reviews, and inventory control.
• Support marine trade lane management and strategic sourcing through contract execution and carrier coordination.
• Lead monthly and annual inventory reconciliation activities.
• Ensure compliance with SOX controls and company policies.
• Own operating budgets and cost centers, including forecasting and cost management.
• Conduct incident investigations and implement preventive and corrective actions.
• Review and approve operational invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Support truck, rail, and ISO container loading operations.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of chemical marine transportation and terminal operations.
• Basic knowledge of overland transportation modes, including truck and rail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP or data management systems.
• Strong communication, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Continuous improvement and process optimization mindset.
• Ability to travel periodically within the Houston and Dallas areas.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent in experience.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in marine and/or terminal operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• SAP experience.
• Six Sigma training or certification.

Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We support sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create and growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet customer and societal demand. Celanese Corporation employs more than 11,000 employees worldwide with 2024 net sales of $10.3 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com.

We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams.