Strategic Buyer - MRO Indirect Materials

OXEA

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 90,000 - 135,000

Full time

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Work/Life Balance

401(k) with match

Profit-sharing

Job summary

OXEA in Houston, TX seeks a Strategic Buyer for MRO indirect materials to lead procurement activities, negotiate strategic contracts, and drive P2P improvements across US plants. The role collaborates with internal stakeholders and suppliers to optimize cost, lead times, and supplier performance.

Hybrid work is possible; relocation not required. The successful candidate will have 5–7+ years in MRO category management, solid cost analysis capabilities, and experience in a plant environment,

Qualifications

Bachelor degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Minimum of 5-7+ years related experience in MRO Category Management.
Experience with cost analysis, strategic contracts management and supplier negotiations.
Experience with material, service and project procurement.
Experience in a plant environment (preferred), background and/or knowledge in MRO, pumps, rotational equipment, turnarounds, maintenance, and operations.
Experience in developing strategic category initiatives around vendor consolidation, cost savings, inventory, optimization, etc.

Responsibilities

Develop strategic initiatives and objectives to drive business growth while maintaining capital discipline.
Build a strong understanding of assigned categories, strategic business direction, and requirements by staying updated on market trends and working with internal stakeholders to understand their business continuity needs.
Process purchase orders to support daily maintenance, operations and repair activities including stock and non-stock items, services, turn around, work and project orders in a timely manner and work with suppliers to ensure best quality, cost, and delivery term.
Coordinate and manage all activities during the purchasing process, including procurement master data, monitoring transportation and invoice review and follow-through, to ensure on time payment to all vendors.
Build and maintain effective supplier and vendor relationships; oversee key supplier interfaces to enhance Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
Maintain key performance metrics appropriate for assigned category and suppliers.Work with stakeholders to ensure requisitions and purchase orders adhere to OXEA’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
Expedite open orders and provide a weekly status update to stakeholders and Procurement Manager.
Maintain excellent and regular communication with stakeholders and suppliers.
Lead and provide the evaluation of supplier RFQ’s utilizing appropriate negotiation and procurement analysis techniques.
Manage purchase order disputes to ensure fair and timely resolution with suppliers. This includes escalation of disputes where needed with the support from Procurement Manager and Legal.
Maintain compliance with our ISO processes, participate on internal and external audits, support/ensure on time finding closure.
Responsible for new vendor set up and working with requestor and vendor master to ensure compliance.
Provide an update on AP Block Report and collaborate with requestors to update purchase orders as needed for payment.
Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Environmental, Finance, Legal, Compliance and Contracts Specialist to reduce costs, improve lead time, innovation & efficiencies.
Identify and implement procurement to pay process improvements.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Strategic Buyer - MRO Indirect Materials

About OXEA:

OXEA is a global manufacturer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals with around 1,200 employees worldwide. Our products are used in various applications such as paints and coatings, lubricants and functional fluids, and personal care products.

Location: Houston, US, 77056

Mobile work possible?: yes, hybrid

Entry Date: 07/20/2026

Employment type: Full time

OXEA Corporation Company Overview | World leader in Oxo Chemicals

Oxo products are the core competency of OXEA Corporation. We are producing more than 70 oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives for customers in a wide range of industries with various end market applications. Our chemicals are important ingredients in products that are used in daily life around the world. "We" refers to more than 1,200 OXEA employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, and China, we produce intermediates and derivatives.

Job Purpose

The Strategic Buyer is responsible for processing Procurement activities for OXEA USA plants, including participation on RFQ’s, negotiation, and identifying opportunities to improve the P2P processes. The individual will play a critical role in supporting project execution by working with internal stakeholders to determine their needs and requirements in conformance with OXEA Purchasing Policies and Procedures. The Strategic Buyer will also be responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives that align with business objectives and ensure long term sustainability by negotiating competitive contracts, analyzing market conditions, and evaluating supplier performance to meet organizational needs effectively.

This position can be based in Houston or Bay City.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Develop strategic initiatives and objectives to drive business growth while maintaining capital discipline.
Build a strong understanding of assigned categories, strategic business direction, and requirements by staying updated on market trends and working with internal stakeholders to understand their business continuity needs.
Process purchase orders to support daily maintenance, operations and repair activities including but not limited to stock and non-stock items, services, turn around, work and project orders in a timely manner and work with suppliers to ensure best quality, cost, and delivery term.
Coordinate and manage all activities during the purchasing process, including procurement master data, monitoring transportation and invoice review and follow-through, to ensure on time payment to all vendors.
Build and maintain effective supplier and vendor relationships; oversee key supplier interfaces to enhance Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
Maintain key performance metrics appropriate for assigned category and suppliers.Work with stakeholders to ensure requisitions and purchase orders adhere to OXEA’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
Expedite open orders and provide a weekly status update to stakeholders and Procurement Manager.
Maintain excellent and regular communication with stakeholders and suppliers.
Lead and provide the evaluation of supplier RFQ’s utilizing appropriate negotiation and procurement analysis techniques.
Manage purchase order disputes to ensure fair and timely resolution with suppliers. This includes escalation of disputes where needed with the support from Procurement Manager and Legal.
Maintain compliance with our ISO processes, participate on internal and external audits, support/ensure on time finding closure.
Responsible for new vendor set up and working with requestor and vendor master to ensure compliance.
Provide an update on AP Block Report and collaborate with requestors to update purchase orders as needed for payment.
Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Environmental, Finance, Legal, Compliance and Contracts Specialist to reduce costs, improve lead time, innovation & efficiencies.
Identify and implement procurement to pay process improvements.

Key Interactions

Internal: Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Environmental, Finance, Legal, Compliance and Buyers

Notable Working Conditions

Typical plant/office environment. Some travel between plant and corporate office

Education Requirements

Bachelor degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering or related field , or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience

Language Requirements

Background and Experience

Minimum of 5-7+ years related experience in MRO Category Management.
Experience with cost analysis, strategic contracts management and supplier negotiations a must.
Experience with material, service and project procurement.
Experience in a plant environment (preferred), background and/or knowledge in MRO, pumps, rotational equipment, turnarounds, maintenance, and operations.
Experience in developing strategic category initiatives around vendor consolidation, cost savings, inventory, optimization, etc.

Competencies and Skills

High level of negotiation skills (tactical, strategic, techniques).
Highly organized, detail oriented and able to work independently.
Must be able to communicate effectively across multiple functions and work well in a team environment.
Strong PC application skills including complement of Microsoft Office software.

All Employees are invited to participate regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, disability or veteran status, and any other criterion prescribed by law.

OXEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.