Commodity Buyer – Bulk Chemical Raw Materials

Location: Crystal Lake, IL - Onsite

About RITA Corporation

RITA Corporation is a privately held manufacturer and distributor of specialty chemical ingredients serving the personal care industry. We operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and rely on strong supplier partnerships to maintain uninterrupted production of specialty chemical ingredients.

Position Summary

RITA is seeking a Commodity Buyer with direct experience purchasing bulk chemical raw materials used in manufacturing environments.

This role is focused specifically on sourcing and negotiating specialty chemical ingredients, including surfactants, fatty alcohols, emulsifiers, solvents, oleochemicals, and petroleum-derived materials.

This position does not involve MRO, maintenance parts, capital equipment, or machinery procurement. Candidates must have direct experience purchasing bulk chemical raw materials in tanker, tote, or drum quantities.

The Commodity Buyer manages approximately $3M–$10M in annual raw material spend and is responsible for cost control, supply continuity, contract negotiation, and proactive risk management in commodity-driven markets.

Key Responsibilities

•  Source and procure specialty chemical raw materials including surfactants, emulsifiers, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin, solvents, and functional additives.

•  Negotiate pricing and supply agreements tied to commodity and petroleum-indexed markets.

•  Manage bulk tanker, tote, and drum purchases.

•  Monitor commodity trends and petroleum benchmarks impacting raw material costs.

•  Proactively manage supply risk and secure alternate sources when needed.

•  Review supplier specifications, COAs, SDS documentation, and regulatory compliance materials.

•  Coordinate hazmat freight, international shipments, and chemical lead times.

•  Maintain inventory levels aligned with production demand.

•  Resolve quality, delivery, and pricing discrepancies directly with suppliers.

Required Qualifications

•  3+ years of direct experience purchasing bulk chemical raw materials in a manufacturing environment.

•  Experience negotiating commodity-driven or index-based pricing agreements.

•  Experience purchasing bulk tankers, totes, and drum quantities.

•  Working knowledge of SDS documentation, DOT hazmat classifications, and chemical shipping requirements.

•  Experience managing supply volatility and lead time risk affecting production continuity.

Strongly Preferred

•  Experience purchasing oleochemicals, surfactants, fatty alcohols, glycerin, esters, solvents, or petroleum-derived ingredients.

•  Experience working with INCI-named ingredients or personal care raw materials.

•  Familiarity with petroleum or agriculturally indexed commodity pricing.

Why Join RITA

•  Established, stable, privately held company.

•  Direct impact on cost strategy and supplier performance.

•  Cross-functional visibility and leadership exposure.

•  Competitive compensation and strong benefits package.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $75,000 – $105,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

•  Generous PTO

•  Highly subsidized PPO medical plan

•  5% 401(k) match

•  Dental and vision coverage