What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Sourcing & Procurement position at Sterling Specialty Chemicals?
Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Director of Sourcing & Procurement to lead all procurement and strategic sourcing functions across the company. This role is ideal for a results-driven leader who can operate at both strategic and tactical levels, directly managing supplier relationships, negotiating key contracts, driving cost savings, and ensuring reliable supply for our operations across North America and global regions.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support company objectives for cost savings, quality, sustainability, and supplier diversity.
- Identify and qualify new suppliers, negotiate long-term contracts, and ensure competitive pricing.
- Lead cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, supplier consolidation, and market intelligence.
- Operational Procurement & Execution
- Be deeply involved in day-to-day procurement activities, including raw materials, packaging, indirect spend, and capital equipment.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, logistics, R&D, and commercial teams to ensure supply continuity and responsiveness to changing demand.
- Resolve delivery, quality, or service issues with suppliers promptly and decisively.
- Supplier Relationship & Performance Management
- Build strategic partnerships with critical suppliers and lead supplier performance reviews.
- Monitor supplier KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, service) and enforce corrective actions as needed.
- Lead annual supplier audits and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
- Process Improvement & Systems
- Enhance procurement systems and processes, including ERP optimization, category management, and spend analytics.
- Ensure strong internal controls, adherence to company policies, and compliance with ethical sourcing standards.
- Drive digital tools adoption and support inventory and working capital goals in partnership with finance and supply chain.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Act as a player-coach of a team of 3–4 procurement professionals
- Establish clear performance goals and foster a culture of accountability, agility, and collaboration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (MBA or CPSM preferred).
- 10 years of progressive sourcing/procurement experience, with at least 5 years in the chemical industry.
- Strong knowledge of raw materials, contract manufacturing, and logistics sourcing within chemicals.
- Proven ability to drive negotiations, deliver cost savings, and manage supplier risk.
- Hands-on, execution-focused leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and advanced Excel/analytics tools.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
- Must be hands-on