Senior Category Manager

Overview

 ABOUT US:

NewMarket Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is the parent company of Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) and Calca Solutions (Calca). Afton is a leading manufacturer and marketer of performance enhancing fuel and lubricant additives with operations around the world. Ethyl distributes gasoline performance additives throughout North America and provides terminal storage and distribution services from its Houston, Texas facility. AMPAC is a U.S. manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. Calca is the leading U.S. manufacturer of UltraPure and high purity hydrazine most notably used for in-space propulsion by satellites, space probes and other space vehicles. Calca’s hydrazine derivatives play a vital role in the manufacture of products used in agricultural, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and industrial applications.

 

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 $100MM 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 global level within particular categories of raw materials. Will manage or supervise employees.

Responsibilities

Define and implement long-term sourcing strategies at both a regional and global level for specific raw materials, products, and services while coordinating across regions.

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.

Take the lead to identify and implement 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.

Supervise employees, facilitate employee career development and training, and manage employee performance.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering (strongly preferred) or related fields.
• Demonstrate strong experience and results in strategic procurement/sourcing, complex negotiation, strategic planning, project management, influencing, and leadership qualities typically acquired through at least 10 years of experience in related roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of procurement in the SAP environment, typically acquired through 10 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 desired (Masters or MBA)
• Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant, or chemica