Purchasing Manager - Raw Materials

Overview

SNF is a specialty chemical group whose products, water-soluble polymers, contribute to treating, recycling, preserving water, saving energy, and reducing carbon footprint. A pioneer in soft chemistry, SNF has long been present on all continents, employing 9,000 people, including more than 2,700+ in the USA. Innovation and movement toward a cleaner, less carbon-intensive world accelerates SNF’s growth.

The Purchasing Manager, Raw Materials, is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the procurement of all raw materials required to support SNF's polymer manufacturing operations in the United States. This role ensures uninterrupted production by maintaining strategic supplier relationships, negotiating favorable contracts, managing inventory levels, and achieving cost, quality, and delivery objectives while ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.

The Purchasing Manager works closely with Production, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Warehouse, and Logistics to optimize the supply chain and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

LOCATION: Riceboro, GA

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that support production schedules and business objectives
• Source and procure raw materials, including polymers, monomers, surfactants, solvents, catalysts, and other specialty chemicals
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supplier agreements to maximize value while minimizing risk
• Identify and qualify new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing vendors
• Monitor supplier performance for quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness
• Ensure the uninterrupted availability of production materials while minimizing excess inventory
• Collaborate with Production Planning to forecast material requirements
• Manage inventory levels using ERP/MRP systems and establish appropriate reorder points and safety stock levels
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks affecting chemical raw materials
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance regarding supplier certifications, material specifications, and nonconforming materials
• Support new product development by sourcing materials and evaluating supplier capabilities
• Review purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders in accordance with company policies
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, and process improvements
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements related to chemical procurement
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier files, and contract documentation
• Resolve supplier disputes, delivery issues, invoice discrepancies, and quality concerns
• Prepare purchasing reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) for management review
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing and supply chain functions
• Supervise purchasing personnel, as applicable, including training, performance management, and professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with all company policies and standards

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree - Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field

EXPERIENCE:

• 7-10 years - Progressive procurement or purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment
• 5 years - Supervisory or management experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Experience in purchasing chemical raw materials is strongly preferred
• Experience developing strategic sourcing initiatives, negotiating supplier agreements, and managing long-term supplier relationships
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, Infor, or similar)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Knowledge of inventory management principles and production planning
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of manufacturing supply chains
• Knowledge of commodity purchasing and market analysis
• Ability to negotiate complex supplier agreements

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Vacation Days
• Incidental/Sick Days
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Development & Training

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.