Procurement Director

Overview

About Us

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide. 

 

Directs and oversees the organization's purchasing function. Develops policies and procedures for efficient procurement operations related to direct spend.  Provides leadership and guidance to identify strategic purchasing opportunities and ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials worldwide.  Would typically manage a team of 4-6 direct reports making up an overall organizational responsibility of  20-25 employees. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a vision and strategy for global direct procurement functions. Guide development of the strategic plan through collaboration and cross-functional involvement with R&D, Global Business, Manufacturing, Logistics and Planning to ensure common understanding of objectives and focus. 

• Ensure that Afton’s procurement is carried out cost competitively, with a focus on reliable supply and quality. Analyze and communicate cost trends, supply chain risk assessments and forecasts within the organization on a timely and effective basis. Identify and drive global cost-savings and risk mitigation opportunities.  

• Establish and maintain an effective, high-level interface with suppliers that capitalizes on business synergies and the potential for development of strategic opportunities for the future. 

• Interface with internal stakeholders to assure that procurement activities are aligned with established objectives or other specific, identified and approved needs. 

• Use market data including market trends/forecasts, strength/weakness comparisons, competitive analysis, etc., to identify and develop the most effective supply sources, explore synergies and create a viable strategic/integrated plan to support Afton’s LRP.

• Lead global team of procurement professionals, establish and define departmental goals, provide focus, set priorities and facilitate timely accomplishments of objectives. Provide support, encouragement, and guidance to foster team development. 

• Identify, develop and implement process improvements to optimize Afton’s procurement operations.

• May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• BS degree in chemistry, engineering or business administration
• 10 years of relevant experience in the petrochemical industry
• 10 years of experience in a combination of purchasing and commercial functions
• Experience in global sourcing

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• MBA or equivalent relevant advanced degree
• 5 or more years management/supervisory experience

 

            SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the petrochemical industry
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of chemical industry economics
• Able to demonstrate sound technical and business judgment regarding project development and priorities
• Able to conceptualize the "big picture", develop and communicate a vision and mission for the staff
• Able to organize complex activities with regard to projects and people
• Demonstrate effective negotiation and facilitation skills
• Able to demonstrate practical applications and knowledge of the purchasing management process and project management practices
• Able to develop and maintain effective peer and organizational relationships
• Able to demonstrate a personal management style and management skills that motivate and enhance employee performance
• Able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of business goals and objectives and industry market environment and trends
• Able to demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
• Able to access and judge staff skill levels and to delegate appropriately
• Able to cope with stress and multiple work interruptions
• Able to oversee multiple, detailed projects simultaneously
• Able to travel globally as required
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, integrity and honesty

 

Working at Afton

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