Sr Procurement Specialist

Overview

Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost effective supply of a portfolio of raw materials/goods & services necessary to support Afton business goals and operations including but not limited to production facilities, contract manufacturing facilities, resale operations, R&D facilities and corporate departments. Position is typically responsible for more than $75MM in annual spend with several high-volume business critical materials, products or services. Generally the % of strategic procurement vs. tactical procurement will increase to 60% in this role. Typically works under direction and guidance

Responsibilities

1. Develop and manage supplier relationships to negotiate and maintain price and supply conditions ensuring commercial terms are optimized, supply maintained, contracts implemented and managed as appropriate. SAP pricing, material transfers and forecasting data are maintained in alignment with Planning and Logistics team.

2. Develop an understanding of the market for raw materials, products and services purchased and identify factors influencing availability and pricing (know the buy) ensuring that significant market changes are anticipated, managed and communicated. Activities supported by enhanced Power BI-based COGS tracking and analytics to improve cost visibility and decision-making.

3. Identify and support qualification of new suppliers, contract manufacturers and toll manufacturers, including site visits to assess operational, EHS, ESG, and quality standards. Partner with suppliers to identify new sourcing opportunities, technologies, and cost-effective solutions that support Afton and NewMarket business objectives, including Capex and strategic growth initiatives.

4. Prepare, maintain and communicate long term sourcing strategies to support the Long Range Plan (LRP) both within region and at a global level as appropriate to ensure raw material, products and services availability and economics are communicated to and support the needs of the business.

5. Develop and maintain forecasts (volume and price) for use with suppliers and for communication within Afton including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process, leveraging internal digital tools to improve forecast accuracy.

6. Monitor quality and consistency of raw materials, products and services used via the Spec Manager, VNCS (Non-conformance system) and Vendor Assessment - together as Supplier Care System, to record quality issues/resolutions. Consult with Process Technology, R&D and Manufacturing and other departments as required, investigating and resolving quality issues quickly and effectively.

7. Collaborate with other Afton/ NewMarket Services purchasing team members on a regional and global basis to identify synergies that will ensure maximization of strategic purchasing and supply network optimization initiatives.

8. Ensure business continuity through strategies including MoC (Management of Change) tracking and governance via Accolade platform.

9. Consult with Business Group, R&D, Manufacturing and Process Technology to provide information regarding competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives and quality, service, price and distribution issues, all supported by robust data analytics.

10. Demonstrate, lead and encourage best practice within the procurement process; vendor selection, specifications, tender & negotiation process/policy, business award, contracts implementation and maintenance etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business, Economics, Math, Chemistry or Supply Chain
• Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation and organizational skills with relevant or related experience
• Procurement or directly relevant sales/commercial experience