Sr. Procurement Manager

Title: Senior Procurement Manager

Location: Houston, Texas

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we serve. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

Kuraray America is seeking a Senior Procurement Manager to join our team in Houston, TX. This role is responsible for leading a team that supports the company's procurement needs across various categories. The successful candidate will help develop and execute procurement strategies, support compliance efforts, drive cost savings, and build strong internal and external relationships. This position will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and global procurement teams to ensure efficient and effective sourcing of goods and services aligned with business needs.

Responsibilities:

Procurement Strategy & Execution

• Lead the execution of procurement strategies for Kuraray America, ensuring alignment with business objectives and global procurement priorities.
• Manage procurement activities across all categories, including raw materials, indirect goods, and capital expenditures.
• Partner with global Kuraray procurement teams to identify synergies, leverage global agreements, and share best practices.
• Analyze spend data, market trends, and supplier performance to drive sourcing decisions.

Functional Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a company wide team of procurement professionals; set goals, provide feedback, and support development plans.
• Establish a team culture focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and results.
• Maintain an effective organizational structure that supports evolving business needs and procurement volume.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with Kuraray's Procurement and Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
• Oversee adherence to applicable standards (ISO, Responsible Care, IATF, GMP) within all procurement processes.
• Monitor and address supplier risks related to quality, sustainability, financial stability, or delivery performance.
• Support internal audits and corrective actions related to procurement activities.

Budgeting & Business Planning

• Develop and manage the procurement function's budget and support enterprise cost-saving initiatives.
• Contribute to annual planning by forecasting key procurement projects, resource needs, and financial impacts.
• Track and report on performance metrics, including cost savings, on-time delivery, and policy compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Act as the key procurement contact for business units, operations, and corporate stakeholders in North America.
• Support internal teams with sourcing support for capital projects, services, and operations.
• Communicate procurement strategies and updates to internal customers to ensure transparency and alignment.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Oversee the maintenance and improvement of the procurement module in the ERP system (GSAP).
• Identify and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency, control, and transparency in procurement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business and/or Logistics or related supply chain field
• Minimum of ten years of procurement/supply chain experience in the petrochemical and related industries.
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience leading a company-wide procurement or supply chain department, including team development and cross-functional influence.
• Proven ability to manage complex procurement activities across multiple categories, sites, or business units.
• Deep knowledge of sourcing strategies, procurement compliance, and supplier risk management, with experience applying industry standards and regulations (e.g., ISO, Responsible Care, IATF, GMP).
• Strong understanding of internal customer needs and the ability to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership in change management, with a focus on continuous improvement and navigating ambiguity.
• Effective communicator with strong negotiation skills and the ability to build trust across internal and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in coaching and mentoring teams, including addressing and resolving challenging team dynamics.
• ERP system experience required (GSAP/SAP preferred).
• Strong business acumen with a track record of setting direction, driving execution, and delivering measurable results.
• Must have a valid driver's license

Competencies:

• Plans and Aligns
  • Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Manages Complexity
  • Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Communicates Effectively
  • Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Collaborates
  • Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Balances Stakeholders
  • Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
• Financial Acumen
  • Interprets and applies key financial indicators to make better business decisions
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Builds Networks
  • Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.
• Strategic Mindset
  • Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
• Builds Effective Teams
  • Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Persuades
  • Uses compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.