Strategic Purchasing Leader - Chemicals & Ingredients

UPI Global Ingredients; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UPI Global Ingredients in North Carolina seeks a Purchasing Manager to lead the purchasing team and oversee sourcing, supplier negotiations, and inventory planning. You will align purchasing with sales, operations, and quality goals while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and collaboration across cross-functional teams to optimize supplier performance and mitigate risks in a chemical-focused supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; five years purchasing experience in chemicals preferred.
• Experience developing purchasing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and negotiating terms.
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements (OSHA, REACH, TSCA, SDS).
• Experience using ERP systems and MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the purchasing team, set expectations, coach, and drive accountability.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to meet cost, quality, and delivery goals.
• Identify and negotiate with suppliers; manage pricing, terms, and contracts.
• Monitor market trends and supplier performance; manage supplier risk.
• Balance inventory with demand forecasts and lead times; collaborate cross-functionally.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements and maintain SDS/docs.
• Establish supplier scorecards and KPIs; implement contingency sourcing plans.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and improve procurement processes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Inventory planning

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

ERP systems

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

UPI Global Ingredients in North Carolina seeks a Purchasing Manager to lead the purchasing team and oversee sourcing, supplier negotiations, and inventory planning. You will align purchasing with sales, operations, and quality goals while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and collaboration across cross-functional teams to optimize supplier performance and mitigate risks in a chemical-focused supply chain.