Strategic Global Sourcing Specialist – Chemicals

Sterling Specialty Chemicals, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Specialty Chemicals, LLC is seeking an experienced Sourcing Specialist to drive procurement of raw materials for chemical manufacturing. You will identify suppliers, negotiate terms, and manage global sourcing activities to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and supply reliability.

The role requires 5+ years in chemical sourcing, familiarity with international procurement, and strong supplier relationship skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of sourcing or procurement experience, with direct experience purchasing raw materials for chemical manufacturing.
• Experience sourcing chemicals and raw materials from international suppliers.
• Strong understanding of specialty chemicals, polymers, surfactants, solvents, additives, or other chemical raw materials.
• Proven experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing, and commercial terms.
• Working knowledge of international purchasing, import/export procedures, Incoterms, tariffs, and global logistics.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase raw materials used in specialty chemical manufacturing, including polymers, surfactants, solvents, additives, and other chemical ingredients.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop domestic and international suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and supply reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times, and supply agreements.
• Manage international sourcing activities, including import requirements, customs documentation, tariffs, duties, and international shipping terms (Incoterms).
• Monitor raw material markets, pricing trends, availability, and global supply chain conditions to identify cost-saving opportunities and potential risks.
• Partner with Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure raw materials meet technical specifications and production requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable for quality, delivery, and performance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce raw material costs through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, alternative materials, and competitive bidding.
• Manage purchase orders, delivery schedules, and supplier communications to minimize production disruptions.
• Support supplier qualification and approval processes in coordination with Quality and technical teams.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, contracts, and sourcing documentation.
• Develop contingency sourcing strategies to reduce supply chain risks and dependence on single-source suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Sterling Specialty Chemicals, LLC is seeking an experienced Sourcing Specialist to drive procurement of raw materials for chemical manufacturing. You will identify suppliers, negotiate terms, and manage global sourcing activities to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and supply reliability.

The role requires 5+ years in chemical sourcing, familiarity with international procurement, and strong supplier relationship skills.