Procurement Category Manager-CAPEX Construction/Equipment

Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members, while maintaining our family values and entrepreneurial spirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and 8 manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Quality group produce high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations. Our personal care and household product portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions.

Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better®.

We are seeking a Procurement Category Manager-CAPEX Construction/Equipment for our First Quality Tissue SE, LLC facility located in Anderson, SC.  This position will be critical to the construction sourcing & procurement activities for the Tissue Business. From pre-bid to project closeout, ensuring efficient and cost-effective procurement of site construction, equipment and general site administration, while managing risk and maintaining vendor relationships.  Must have a deep understanding and experience in leading negotiation efforts, ensuring an understanding of all value streams, full alignment with company strategy, and coordination with senior leadership teams. Also keeping focus on continuity of supply, value, innovation, and alignment with FQ’s culture.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external

• Stay well-informed of industry trends and best practices in procurement. 

• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance, including project timelines, quality standards, and cost performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.  Highlighting risks and mitigation strategies.

• High value negotiation skills for large industrial projects, including green & brown field sites, established sites (mainly in construction), engineering, equipment, vendors/contractors, government, environmental, energy.

• Lead complex contract negotiations, including bid processes, change orders, and dispute resolution, guaranteeing optimal terms and conditions are aligned with business objectives

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, project management, finance, and operations, to ensure alignment and support for procurement initiatives.

• Coordinate the development of technical specifications with project team, providing vendors and contractors RFP information 

• Collaborate with construction management to interpret schedules and synchronize purchasing of materials, equipment, supplies and furnishings to support scheduled work

• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance, including project timelines, quality standards, and cost performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.  Highlighting risks and mitigation strategies.

• Establishing continuous improvement processes to maximize the value of these contracts as they relate to Engineering/Construction Services.

• Perform Contractor evaluations for population of bid lists.

• Serve as point of contact between engineering, technical leads, and bidders.

• Provide post award assistance with change orders and scope definition.

• Assist with other duties as needed.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures throughout the procurement process.

The ideal candidate should possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.

• A minimum of 7 years in capital and/or construction procurement or a closely related field.

• Ability to plan, lead, organize, & multi-task several capital projects at one time.

• Proven history of successful complex negotiations across diverse business areas

• Deep understanding of relevant industry practices, legal frameworks, and market dynamics

• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with customers and suppliers

• In depth knowledge of commercial terms and contract language including market-based pricing structures

• Good interpersonal skills, communication, facilitation skills and strong negotiation capabilities.

• Must be customer focused, team oriented, self-motivated, and results oriented.

• Experience with various contract types, Lump Sum, T&M etc.

• Strong data analysis skills and attention to details.

• Expertise in MS Office, especially Word and Excel.

• Understanding technical blueprints and schematics.

• Advanced verbal and written communication and presentation skills

• Ability to keep sensitive information confidential.

• Compliance with First Quality Core Culture Values.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.

• Some travel is required.

What We Offer You

We believe that by continuously improving the quality of our benefits, we can help to raise the quality of life for our team members and their families. At First Quality you will receive:

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities

• Paid time off (three-week minimum)

• Medical, dental and vision starting day one

• 401(k) with employer match

• Paid parental leave

• Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)

• Bundle of joy benefit (years’ worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby)

• Tuition assistance

• Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums

• ...and more!