Strategic Sourcing Specialist

DyStar; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DyStar is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Charlotte, NC to lead direct-material sourcing and negotiations, aligning with manufacturing requirements. The role is an individual contributor position based on-site at Americas HQ.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in chemical direct-material sourcing, strong financial analysis, and project-management skills, with willingness to travel up to 20%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field; chemical major is a plus.
• 8+ years in strategic sourcing for direct material in the chemical industry.
• Experience with cost savings initiatives and supplier performance management.

Responsibilities

• Create best-in-class procurement for direct materials in the region.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, MOQs, delivery, and contracts.
• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with manufacturing needs.
• Analyze market trends, costs, and supplier performance.
• Coordinate supplier evaluations and site audits; drive continuous improvement.
• Travel approximately 20% as required.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Financial analysis

Project management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

English communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field

Tools

ERP

Microsoft Office

Job description

DyStar is a leading specialty chemical company with a global presence. We have an immediate need for a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in our Procurement Department in our Americas Regional Headquarters located in Charlotte, NC. This is an individual contributor role. We are seeking an individual with experience with performing strategic sourcing and procurement activities for direct material in the chemical industry, financial analysis, and project management who will:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for chemical raw materials in alignment with business and manufacturing requirements.
• Analize market trends, commodity pricing, supply-demand dynamics, and cost drivers to identify procurement cost efficiencies
• Partner with BU/Sales team and R&D for development of new materials and forecast, Supply Chain for total cost of ownership, MOQ's, material packaging, delivery terms, manufacturing site leaders for production requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create all aspects of a best-in-class Procurement direct function for the region. Lead negotiations for pricing, payment terms, contracts, minimum order quantities, delivery terms, lead times, all commercial conditions.
• Collaborate with key regional business partners to set the strategic and tactical direction for sourcing efforts related to spend category, ensuring integration with the business vision and strategy.
• Understand and monitor key spending trends, cost drivers, market factors, geographic considerations, and strategic importance of critical materials to implement appropriate sourcing strategies and achieve saving targets
• Coordinate sites’ procurement activities including supplier evaluations, site audits and continuous improvement process for all suppliers
• Locate, analyze, develop and maintain a consolidated suppliers base to meet current and future needs of direct purchased materials
• Build and maintain strong strategic relationship with key chemical raw material suppliers, develop alternative supplier for single source materials, critical and high-risk raw materials.
• Lead negotiations for business terms and develop contracts for the supply of both standard and complex products and services with new and existing suppliers.
• Lead continuous improvement in cost, delivery, and quality performance. Drive regular business reviews.
• Ensure adherence to company standards and values, business controls, ethics, policies and procedures, and professional standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the procurement process
• Analyze price proposals, financial reports and other data to determine reasonable prices to place order for good and services
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier’s reputation and history.
• And other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

NONE - The internal title for this position is Assistant Sourcing Manager but this is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field. Chemical related major would be a plus.
• 8+ years of experience with performing strategic sourcing and procurement activities for direct material in the chemical industry, financial analysis, and project management
• Experience with developing and implementing successful cost savings/avoidance initiatives.
• Experienced in supplier performance management and contract administration.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong understanding of Chemical raw material markets, suppliers' structure and cost drivers.
• Excellent project management, communication, and analytical skills. Excellent computer skills - ERP, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word)
• Proven business/financial acumen, including demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, and to influence and drive change at all levels of the organization.
• Professional presence with an analytical mindset who enjoys collaborating with others and generating results through influence, enthusiasm, and personal and professional credibility and integrity.
• Ability to establish and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced changing environment.
• Professional level English skills required. Other languages would be a plus.
• Willing to travel approximately 20%.

This is an on-site role in Charlotte, NC; not open to remote or hybrid work.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.