Strategic Procurement Manager

Do you want to take responsibility and make a difference with your work? With your expertise, we can achieve great goals together. We are WACKER - Reliable. Determined. Ambitious. As one of the world's most research-intensive chemical companies, we've been making countless products that are an integral part of your everyday life possible for over 100 years. From vegan food to resource-efficient buildings to solar cells, we develop sustainable solutions that change the future.   To strengthen our team in Ann Arbor, we are looking for you as a(n) Strategic Procurement Manager.

 

This position is responsible to provide functional leadership for procurement practices and to facilitate the continuous improvement and successful partnership between Wacker's internal customers and suppliers to achieve the lowest total cost of ownership. Lead timely preparation for Procurement Monthly Reports, KPI's, forecasts, audits, supplier complaints/claims/evaluations and other reporting as necessary.

• Collaborate effectively with Procurement colleagues in Germany to help develop purchase agreements in a manner that ensures all Wacker requirements and special terms and conditions are met.
• Lead joint meetings with Operations, Technical, EHS, Business Units/Teams and other departments to review requirements, specifications, new or existing sources of supply, forecasts, recommendations for reduced procurement spend, etc.
• Lead role in developing and implementing negotiation strategies that satisfy the objectives of all Business Units/Teams and production. Research and understand the market conditions, advances in technology, supplier performance and economic forecasts.
• Keep Business informed regarding economic conditions, market conditions, lead times and shifts in pricing. Professionally resolve problems (both internal and external) in a fair and ethical manner while protecting the long-term interests of the Company.
• Provide leadership, guidance and direction to other departments with regards to supplier relations and meeting external customer's expectations.
• Investigate and evaluate new sources of supply, conduct meetings with suppliers and continually endeavor to keep abreast of developments that influence the various markets.
• Coordinate, conduct, and participate in meetings and discussions between suppliers and/or related personnel concerning subjects other than normal price, delivery or quality negotiations (i.e. value analysis, new methods, techniques, processes, etc.).
• Conduct on-site reviews of supplier facilities and products/process capabilities to assess current and potential supplier qualifications.
• Develop and implement cost reduction strategies in support of annual cost reduction targets.
• Develop and manage strategic supplier sourcing and selection including global sourcing to achieve performance, quality, price and materials strategies.
• Direct, negotiate and manage contracts.
• Develop and implement Procurement department policies and procedures and make contributions in line with strategies to achieve targets and goals.

 

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, or related discipline required, Master's Degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years prior procurement experience in a large global/multinational company, preferably within the Chemical and Manufacturing Industries.
• Prior leadership role in contract management, RFQ bid process, contract law and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) preferred.
• Deep understanding of negotiation strategies, risk management, and value chain of various raw materials required.
• Excellent and proven negotiation skills, communication skills required.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management both internal and external to WACKER.
• Strong analytical, financial and research capabilities desired.
• Proficiency with SAP & Microsoft Office applications preferred.
• Experience procuring contractor services preferred.

 

   What do we offer?   WACKER is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. We are innovators, researchers, and pioneers and we believe that our individual differences are our collective strength. We foster an inclusive environment that promotes individuality, celebrates diversity, and builds cohesive teams. Together, we create exceptional value for our employees, our customers, and our communities by creating a culture of inclusion and equity that enables, empowers, and values our diverse contributions.    WACKER strives to reward its employees in a fair and equitable manner. Our Total Rewards Package considers employee wellbeing and is comprised of compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance & recognition, and career development.  

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