Buyer

We are currently searching for a Buyer, Chemicals & Materials, to manage procurement of raw materials, intermediates, and specialty chemicals. You’ll partner with R&D, production, quality, and finance to ensure cost-effective, reliable supply while maintaining regulatory compliance and quality standards. You’ll be a strategic contributor to margin, product innovation, and supply chain resilience. This is a direct hire opportunity in the Auburn Hills, MI area. Relocation and sponsorship is not available for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure raw materials, chemical intermediates, additives, resins, coatings components, specialty monomers, packaging, and other related materials.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with chemical suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.
• Issue RFQs, negotiate terms (price, lead times, payment, quality, freight), evaluate supplier proposals, and secure favorable contracts.
• Monitor market trends, raw material price fluctuations, supply risks, and regulatory changes to mitigate exposure.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development to forecast material needs for new product launches or formulation changes.
• Work with quality control / regulatory / compliance teams to ensure incoming materials meet specifications, regulatory and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier performance metrics, cost tracking, and inventory levels.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, alternate sourcing, and process improvement.
• Manage supplier audits, qualification, and requalification processes.
• Lead cross-functional teams (manufacturing, QC, logistics) in resolving supply disruptions, quality issues, or logistics challenges.
• Monitor and drive supplier lead times, delivery performance, material shortages, and logistics costs.
• Provide monthly/quarterly reporting to senior leadership (e.g. spend analysis, savings, supplier risk metrics).

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of direct procurement / purchasing / sourcing experience in chemicals, specialty materials, coatings, polymer intermediates, or related field.
• Deep understanding of chemical supply chains, raw material markets, regulatory frameworks.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build and manage supplier relationships.
• Excellent analytical skills, cost modeling, financial acumen, and problem solving.
• Familiarity with quality assurance / QC / regulatory requirements for incoming chemical materials.

Preferred / Nice to Have

• Experience with private labeling, toll manufacturing or contract manufacturing models.
• Experience working within a smaller or mid-sized manufacturing environment.