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Reimagine What's Possible

This position manages supplier relationships and implements procurement strategies to support and ensure alignment with manufacturing strategy and goals. This position challenges technical specifications, commercial practices, operating practices, and business processes with a focus on driving cost-effective solutions. Strong planning, project management, cost control, sourcing, communication, time management and negotiating skills are required. This person will be responsible for supporting the development of procurement strategies and cost optimization projects in the assigned categories and all sub-categories while meeting all needs of manufacturing.

NATURE AND SCOPE

The Port Manatee Procurement team is responsible for the sourcing strategies and buying activities supporting the Port manatee LNG business activities. This position will specifically support our Port manatee Facility and the broader LNG business with sourcing needs as identified by Senior Management.

As such, the Buyer is responsible for developing, negotiating, implementing, and maintaining advantageous supply strategies to improve Air Products' competitiveness and enable world-class execution in conjunction with Global Strategic Sourcing.

The individual will be required to develop an intimate knowledge of the supply markets for the assigned categories, competitiveness drivers, key suppliers, and marketplace dynamics. He/she will be expected to challenge technical specifications & operating practices with a focus on driving cost reduction initiatives. This position supports new supplier development and qualification, and supplier relationship management to ensure alignment with business and product strategies. The incumbent will interface at management levels within the suppliers' organizations to represent Air Products' interests.

This individual will be responsible to conduct competitive bidding during development, design, and execution phases. In addition, the individual will develop category volume forecasts based on inputs from the business and functional areas.

This individual will also be responsible for managing all aspects of supplier performance, including on-time delivery and quality. This individual will be responsible for participating in supplier audits and resolving non-conformances. In addition, this individual will be responsible for communicating manufacturing priorities to key suppliers.

Air products utilizes the SAP ERP system, and extensive knowledge of this system in a Manufacturing environment is required. This position will be responsible for setting up manufacturing agreements, placing orders, confirming orders, and resolving discrepancies.

Travel may be required for this position. Overall travel is expected to be 15% or less.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Implement assigned Commodity PO's daily and track progress through SAP. Embody the 4S culture of Safety, Speed, Simplicity and Self-Confidence. Prepare and issue inquiries, purchase orders according to the manufacturing schedule - ERP driven, and requisition driven on long lead items. Lead negotiations with Suppliers to obtain globally competitive price, delivery, and contract terms. Participate in development of Project Procurement Strategy that is aligned with the business Sales and Operating Plan (S&OP). Maintain ERP data integrity and communicate exceptions which may impact the production schedule. Author Bid Tab evaluations and Sole Source justifications. Engage with Suppliers and business stakeholders to mitigate delivery risk. Where there is risk to schedule:

• Act in a leadership role to drive a sense of urgency to resolution and effective communication(s) to the business.
• Lead timely resolution of escalated supplier issues by facilitating meetings with appropriate technical/operation personnel.

Liaise frequently with Manufacturing, Quality, Production Scheduling and Engineering and Design to optimize initial schedule adherence in the execution stage. Maintain Commercial interface with Suppliers. Manage warranty claims, back-charges, and liquidated damages. Work with cross-functional team to manage supplier qualification status, quality, and performance. Understand, and plan for supply chain risk - sole/single sourced materials, unusually long lead times, etc. Participate in new product development process. Consult as a subject matter expert with commodities you purchase - costing/lead time/other concerns. Challenge status quo by working to identify alternate supply options and assisting Sourcing Specialist to identify potential new suppliers. Monitor, communicate, and respond to changing market conditions and business drivers to maximize leverage and minimize risk. Assist Procurement Manager by serving as mentor for Port Manatee Buyers, becoming familiar with key commodities, and mitigating risk through extended supply agreements and contracts. Back up Procurement Manager as needed.

Critical Competencies

• Strong experience in issuance and managing execution of requisitions/purchase orders for material, equipment, and services in SAP or other ERP system.
• Strong project management and planning skills.
• Excellent commercial awareness and negotiating skills, both commercial and legal.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with internal and external customers.
• Strong leadership, influencing, communication, and facilitative skills.
• Ability to bring teams together to resolve issues and achieve targets and goals (including cost savings and supplier performance).
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing strategies and procurement work processes and solutions.
• Experience with commodities/services such as metals/plates, machined parts, structural parts, fabrication/fabricated assemblies, fittings, gauges, flowmeters, valves, piping and tubing, etc. is strongly desired.
• Sense of ownership and urgency.
• Self-disciplined and self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimal direction.
• Demonstrate prioritization, planning, and follow-up skills in a multi-tasking environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience in discrete manufacturing and project based procurement processes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in relevant business or technical field or equivalent job experience
• Minimum of 5 years Procurement/Purchasing/Supply Chain experience
• Prior leadership experience
• Accreditation from Supply Chain industry organization (i.e. CPIM, CPSM)
• Working knowledge of SAP Procurement Modules
• Experience in industrial manufacturing environment

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Air Products proudly values the skills, dedication, and leadership that Veterans bring to the table. As a Veteran-friendly organization, we actively encourage and welcome Veterans to apply for various roles within our company. We recognize the unique strengths and experiences that Veterans contribute, and we foster a workplace that honors your service while providing a platform for professional growth.

We are the world's largest hydrogen producer with over 80 years of industrial gas experience. We are hydrogen and industrial gas experts delivering safe, end-to-end solutions, investing in real, clean energy projects at scale, and driving the industry forward to generate a cleaner future.

At Air Products, we work in an environment where we put safety first, diversity is essential, inclusion is our culture, and each person knows they belong and matter. To learn more, visitAbout Air Products.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays and vacation, affordable medical, dental, life insurance and retirement plans. You will be eligible for benefits and also be 100% vested in your retirement benefits on your first day of employment.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (U.S.).You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, citizenship, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or veteran status.

Air Products is committed to working with and providing a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail us at talent@airproducts.com. General application status inquiries are not answered by this mailbox rather you'll receive an e-mail directly from our Career Center and/or the Talent Acquisition Specialist.