Strategic Procurement Manager - Chemicals

The Pittsburgh Paint Company; Cranberry Township (Butler County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Paints Company (PPC) is seeking a Strategic Procurement Manager to drive Chemicals category sourcing and contract strategy. You will collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain to optimize value, quality, and delivery while leading supplier relationships and cost initiatives.

The role reports to the Procurement Director in Cranberry Township and requires strategic thinking, cross-functional influence, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years related experience in strategic sourcing and management.
• 5+ years' experience in Savings project management.
• Experience in purchasing, marketing, commercial, or negotiations.
• Lean Six Sigma, purchasing/supply chain, or similar certifications such as APICS. Must be able to travel 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Chemicals procurement strategy and collaborate with Functional teams and PPC Procurement to drive best practices.
• Collaborate with Business Partners, Teams, and Procurement to understand requirements and resolve issues.
• Support sourcing projects for critical categories using the sourcing process.
• Review purchase orders/requisitions to ensure compliance with company procedures.
• Identify and implement cost reductions and avoidance through category knowledge and market trends.
• Develop communication reviews with leadership on supplier performance and future needs.
• Translate strategic thinking into robust category strategies and cross-functional initiatives.
• Interacting with Finance and Operations to align procurement with business goals.
• Negotiate and formalize new supply agreements that provide strategic advantage.
• Develop and execute approaches to minimize supply and cost risks.
• Network with leaders to build a pipeline of sourcing productivity initiatives.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Savings project management

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related

MBA preferred

Job description

As a Strategic Procurement Manager within the Procurement Function at Pittsburgh Paints Company (PPC), you will manage specific Chemicals category spend while negotiating and managing contract agreements that improve the total value for PPC in compliance with established purchasing policies. You will oversee projects and supplier relationships. You will help implement PPC strategies. You will report to the Procurement Director and act as a liaison with technical (R&D), Operations, Supply chain, and suppliers, to improve PPC's world-class technology, pricing, quality, and delivery.

This is a hybrid position based in Cranberry Township, PA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the strategic direction for the Chemicals procurement strategy working directly with Functional team members and Procurement team within PPC to lead and influence best practices from both a commercial and operations perspective.
• Collaborate with Business Partners, Teams, and Procurement partners to understand requirements and resolve issues promptly.
• Support sourcing projects (where applicable) for critical categories using the sourcing process.
• Review purchase orders/requisitions to ensure compliance with company procedures.
• Identify and implement solutions to lead incremental cost reductions and cost avoidance opportunities through category knowledge by researching and understanding industry trends/Feedstocks and market movements.
• Develop communication reviews with leadership, reviewing critical suppliers, upcoming projects and an understanding of the forward needs.
• A demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate that thinking into robust and well-crafted category strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with other functions. Fundamental understanding of the relationship between Procurement and other business functions and processes.
• Penchant for challenging the status quo, but with an ability to influence and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and initiatives. Self-starter, with the ability to act independently and deliver results. Keep fully abreast of applicable market conditions and industry trends.
• Develop and cultivate important supplier relationships.
• Negotiate and formalize new supply agreements that provide a strategic advantage to the company.
• Develop and execute approaches that minimize supply and cost risks.
• Address and resolve quality issues and supplier disputes in a manner that is fair but protects the company's interests.
• Network with company leaders and stakeholders to build a robust pipeline of sourcing productivity initiatives and work cross-functionally to execute those opportunities consistent with project timelines.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in business, engineering, or related; OR equivalent combination of experience, skills, and expertise.
• MBA Preferred 10+ years related experience in strategic sourcing and management.
• 5+ years' experience in Savings project management.
• Experience in purchasing, marketing, commercial, or negotiations.
• Lean Six Sigma, purchasing/supply chain, or similar certifications such as APICS. Must be able to travel 10% of the time.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employment-based visa sponsorship (now or in the future). This includes H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.