Senior Strategic Procurement Manager

Kaizen HR Solutions, LLC; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus opportunity

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Kaizen HR Solutions, LLC seeks a Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives in Akron, Ohio. This role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and delivering cost improvements. The ideal candidate should have 8+ years of procurement experience and a background in chemical or manufacturing sectors.

The position offers a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package, aimed at supporting operational performance and growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in procurement or related supply chain functions.
• Proven success in developing category strategies managing raw material spend.
• Experience in chemical and specialty materials manufacturing environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies.
• Lead supplier selection and contract negotiations.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Cost negotiation

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Job description

A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives across key raw material categories. This role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, mitigating supply risk, and delivering cost, quality, and service improvements that support operational performance and future growth.

The successful candidate will serve as a strategic business partner across multiple functions and manufacturing locations while helping ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable supply base. Location is about 20 miles south of Cleveland and 20 miles north of Akron.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies for assigned raw material categories to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, risk mitigation, and long-term value creation.
• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and commercial management activities while driving measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and total cost of ownership improvements.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, establishing performance expectations and driving improvements in quality, delivery, service, innovation, and responsiveness.
• Partner closely with Operations, Technical/R&D, Quality, Commercial, Logistics, and Finance teams to support production requirements, new product introductions, capacity expansion, and business growth initiatives.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks through market intelligence, supplier diversification, contingency planning, and continuous monitoring of supply and commodity market conditions.
• Lead and support strategic initiatives focused on raw material optimization, supplier performance, sustainability, compliance, inventory improvement, and overall supply chain effectiveness.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, commodity management, category management, or related supply chain functions.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing category strategies while managing significant raw material spend.
• Proven track record negotiating supplier agreements and delivering measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and supply chain improvements.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements across quality, delivery, service, and commercial metrics.Strong analytical, negotiation, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience within chemical, specialty materials, plastics, coatings, industrial manufacturing, ingredients, or other process manufacturing environments preferred.

Ideal Backgrounds

Procurement Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Category Manager, Commodity Manager, Senior Commodity Buyer, Senior Buyer, Sourcing Manager, Raw Materials Procurement Manager, Strategic Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager (Sourcing Focus).

Compensation

Competitive base salary, bonus opportunity, and comprehensive benefits package.

Industry

Process Manufacturing, Specialty Materials, Chemicals, Plastics, Industrial Manufacturing, Coatings, Ingredients, or Related Manufacturing Environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.