Buyer - Category Manager

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

POSITION TITLE

Chemical Buyer / Category Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are in search of a Chemical Buyer / Category Manager for a portfolio of diverse chemical raw materials for the Milliken Chemical Division. Participate in developing and implementing strategies for sourcing major chemical materials within Performance Colorants & Ingredients (PC&I) portfolio. Continuously deliver value to the businesses via executing the strategic sourcing plan set by the Global Sourcing Manager, secure material supply, mitigate supply risk, and achieve cost reduction. This position requires strong interpersonal skills and work in a fast-paced environment. Previous work experience is preferred in chemical sourcing, manufacturing, supply chain, R&D, or sales in the chemical industry. The position is located at the Corporate HQ in Spartanburg, SC and reports to Senior Global Sourcing Manager. This position Is included in our Hybrid Work from Home Policy.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the raw material sourcing and execute sourcing strategy to support Milliken’s PC&I business.
• Manage material sourcing process, working with external strategical supplier / tolling partners, negotiate commercial terms and master supply / tolling agreements
• Lead efforts to secure raw material supply, material de-risking, reduce raw material cost, and work with supply chain on working capital reduction
• Support Senior Global Sourcing manager and VP of Sourcing, help develop sourcing strategy or strategic sourcing process to align with functional or business objectives
• Managing supplier performance, supplier relationship, and resolving supply issues
• Manage supplier relationship and performance, manage sourcing activities through Sourcing Request System (SRS), Supplier Action Request (SAR)
• Assist in Make vs. Buy decisions and implementation of 3rd Party manufacturing to meet growth of PC&I business.
• Communicate relevant information to the organization regarding performance of suppliers and any concerns with disruption to supply
• Work collaboratively with R&D, business technical team, and supply chain to qualify and quantify material requirements and support PC&I growth initiatives
• Monitor and analyze market trends and forecast developments in assigned categories. Deep understanding of chemical market dynamics / conditions and chemical price forecasting methodologies
• Apply SAP / SAP analytical cloud, Microsoft Business Intelligence, Salesforce, and MDS tools in the development of Sourcing analytics
• Develop, tract, and measure all cost savings to include negotiated price savings as well as engineered cost reductions

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• 3+ years of sourcing experience in specialty chemicals preferred. Relevant experience in similar environment considered
• Excellent analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, data analysis and presentation
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt quickly to new role and skills
• Fast paced and results orientated with strong interpersonal skills
• Proficient in SAP / SAP analytics cloud preferred
• Working knowledge of chemistry and / or chemical engineering preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Bachelor of science degree in chemistry or chemical engineering preferred
• Ability to travel overnight 20%

The successful candidate will have strengths in the following:

• Bias for action with ability to drive projects to completion
• Taking ownership to resolve problems that occur
• Fast paced, strong time management skills with ability to prioritize work and focus on critical activities while managing multiple projects
• Fast learner and comfortable in an improvement driven environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present technical information to all levels of the organization and key suppliers
• Bias for understanding business needs and the ability to establish and maintain a high level of trust and confidence with internal stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel), experience in data base management a plus
• Ability to understand and participate in technical discussions
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work in a cross-functional teams

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.