Procurement Director - Direct Raw Materials and Energy

Oxea Corporation 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 1,400 Oxea Corporation employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, China and the Netherlands, we produce intermediates and derivatives.

Job Purpose

The Procurement Director is responsible for leading and optimizing the procurement of all direct materials across North America, including raw materials, energy, catalysts, supplies, and site services. This role combines strategic leadership with operational execution, driving cost competitiveness, supply reliability, and continuous process improvement.

The Procurement Director will lead a team of buyers, drive measurable EBITDA and Working Capital improvements, and implement strategies that enhance supplier relationships, inventory management, and overall procurement efficiency. The position will act in accordance with the Group's Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as policies, guidelines and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, and HSE standards.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring reliable plant operations while supporting business growth and profitability through effective sourcing strategies

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals, fostering a high-performance culture focused on strategic sourcing and procurement excellence.
• Set clear objectives and performance metrics for the team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Support the growth and development of team capabilities in sourcing, analytics, and supplier management.

Role Scope

• Responsible for approximately $300MM annual direct materials spend
• Supports procurement activities across 2 manufacturing sites in North America
• Interfaces with global suppliers and internal stakeholders across operations, supply chain, finance, and commercial teams

Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management:

• Develop and Execute a Direct Materials procurement long term strategy
• Partner with Business Lines (Marketing & Sales) to understand demand drivers, product strategies, and customer requirements, ensuring procurement actively supports revenue growth, margin management, and market competitiveness.
• Implement category management strategies and contracts that align with company objectives.
• Lead supply risk management activities, including mitigation of market volatility, supplier dependency, geopolitical exposure, and supply disruptions to ensure continuity of supply
• Lead complex contract negotiations, including long-term, index-based, and capacity agreements, ensuring risk mitigation and commercial advantage.
• Ensure supplier compliance with applicable regulatory, environmental, and safety standards, in alignment with company HSE policies.

Cost Control and EBITDA Improvement:

• Drive cost control initiatives with a measurable contribution towards EBITDA improvement.
• Identify and record cost avoidance successes with a financial impact, ensuring continuous value creation.
• Present quarterly updates on improvement initiatives, demonstrating progress and financial impact.

Inventory Management and Optimization:

• Influence plant users and suppliers to achieve optimal inventory management, reducing excess stock while ensuring availability.
• Implement initiatives for inventory optimization across all categories, balancing cost and operational efficiency.

Process Improvement and Technology Implementation:

• Define, Implement and Monitor KPIs for on-time delivery of ordered items, driving supplier performance.
• Develop and implement dashboards and KPI reporting tools that provide real-time insights into procurement performance and supplier activity
• Lead procurement process improvement initiatives, streamlining workflows and reducing cycle times.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Act as a key link between supply chain, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and other departments to ensure alignment on procurement needs and strategies.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on procurement best practices and policy adherence.

Key Interactions

• Internal: Interface with Business Lines Leadership, Plant Leadership, Financial functions and Manufacturing.
• External: Negotiating with suppliers for contracts related to materials and services.

Notable Working Conditions

• This position may require occasional travel to supplier sites and other company locations. This role involves working in an office environment with frequent interaction with other departments and external suppliers.

Education Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Finance, Business or related field required; MBA strongly preferred.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) certification strongly preferred.

Background and Experience

• Relevant experience as a professional purchasing director who has held a highly professional procurement role acquiring direct materials, energy and services in the chemical industry.
• 10+ years of progressive procurement experience, including leadership responsibility for strategic sourcing and direct materials procurement within the chemical or petrochemical industry. Prior director-level or equivalent leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial contracting, sourcing governance, and competitive bid processes.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft, Excel, Power Point, Word and ERP (SAP) systems.
• Experience working in international markets is an added advantage.
• Experience leading a team.

Competency Skills

• Strong leadership, negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Experience leading remote teams and stakeholders.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and category management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems (SAP), and advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to develop and implement KPIs and dashboards for performance tracking.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.

Oxea Corporation 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.

Check Out Our Benefits

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
• Health Equity Health Fund for health and dependent care
• Disability Benefits
• Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Work/Life Balance
• Paid Time Off for a balanced life
• Competitive salary, bonus, 401(k) plan with match and profit-sharing match