Procurement Representative

Overview

ABOUT US:

NewMarket Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is the parent company of Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), and American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC).  The Afton and Ethyl companies develop, manufacture, blend, and deliver chemical additives that enhance the performance of petroleum products.  Afton is a leading manufacturer and marketer of performance enhancing fuel and lubricant additives with operations around the world.  AMPAC, with operations in the U.S., is a manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. 

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost-effective supply of a portfolio of raw materials, goods and services to support business goals and operations, including production, contract manufacturing, R&D and corporate functions. The role is typically responsible for more than $50MM in annual spend with a high level of complexity and business critical materials. The role typically comprises 70% strategic and 30% tactical procurement and works with very limited direction and guidance. Responsibilities include the development of strategies and providing leadership at a regional level within particular categories of raw materials.

Responsibilities

Define and implement long-term sourcing strategies at a regional level for specific raw materials, products, and services. Coordinating across regions may be required.

Understand raw material markets, key market drivers and interdependencies. Identify and manage factors that influence availability and pricing. Anticipate, manage and communicate significant market changes.

Develop and manage supplier relationships and supplier performance to ensure alignment with key business objectives (i.e., cost, quality, delivery, safety, business continuity, sustainability, payment terms, inventory, and new products). Identify, lead, and drive implementation of supplier-focused projects to reduce cost and improve performance.

Negotiate with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in price and supply conditions. Ensure commercial terms are optimized, supply is maintained, contracts are implemented and SAP data is current.

Identify and implement new sources of raw materials within existing portfolio and new technologies that enable competitive advantage, and sponsor and support qualifications and approvals.

Develop and maintain forecasts (volume and price) for use with suppliers and for internal communications, including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process.

Utilize best-practice procurement processes and tools. (i.e., RFPs/RFQs, negotiations, vendor selection and qualification, supplier relationship management and performance, and contract development)

Monitor quality and consistency of raw materials, products, and services. Resolve supplier quality issues effectively and drive supplier improvement by consulting with Process Technology, R&D and Manufacturing.

Consult with cross functional business partners to provide information regarding market dynamics, competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives, quality, service, and supply chain issues.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering (strongly preferred) or related fields.
• Demonstrate experience and results in strategic procurement/sourcing, complex negotiation, strategic planning, project management, influencing, and leadership qualities typically acquired through at least 5 years of experience in related roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of procurement in the SAP environment, typically acquired through 5 or more years of procurement experience.
• Strong applied experience using tools and technologies (such as SAP, Tableau and MS Office) to perform detailed business and data analytics and communications efficiently and effectively.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Advanced degree preferred (Masters or MBA)
• Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant, or chemical industry
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification (e.g. CIPS)
• Lean Six Sigma experience/certification

An appropriate combination of education and experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• High integrity, credibility, and ethics.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of chemical industry market economics, cost drivers, and value chains.
• Effective complex strategic negotiation, facilitation, and conflict management skills.
• Self-starter with strong business acumen and the ability to link business goals and market trends to make sound procurement decisions.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build consensus.
• Strong strategic and analytic approach to procurement with knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and practice.
• Strong knowledge of and experienced in the principles of contract writing and management.
• Demonstrated experience & computer literacy regarding SAP & MS Office applications.
• Team-oriented leadership dedicated to continuous improvement, maximizing productivity and effectiveness in the organization, and promoting best practices.
• Ability to keep organized and establish priorities that align with business and stakeholder objectives.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and meeting established deadlines.
• Ability to quickly learn processes, practices, and routine business applications.

Working at NewMarket

Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work - At NewMarket, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits / Compensation - We offer competitive compensation and benefit packages that reflect our commitment to our employees. Our employees are our most treasured asset and we have dedicated resources that allow us to reward our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis - ensuring our compensation packages are competitive in the industry.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

Salary : $50