Direct Material Buyer

The Direct Material Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring key chemical feedstocks, intermediates, and packaging materials required for fertilizer and chemical production. This role ensures a stable supply of components balancing cost efficiency, quality, and supply reliability. The position requires strong negotiation skills, market awareness, and close collaboration with production, logistics, and quality assurance teams.

1. Procurement & Sourcing

• Identify and develop qualified suppliers for chemical raw materials, fertilizers, packaging components and related inputs.
• Negotiate purchase contracts, prices, terms, and delivery schedules to secure cost-effective supply agreements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing plants to issue purchase orders, track confirmations, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Setup and maintain supplier and component data in the ERP system.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with volatile commodity prices and global supply fluctuations.
• Develop and execute annual RFP to gather key component information (pricing, MOQ, lead time, manufacturing locations, specification validation, etc…)

2. Supplier & Market Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with both domestic and international suppliers.
• Monitor global and regional market trends for raw materials
• Assess supplier performance in terms of quality, safety, sustainability, and reliability.

3. Inventory & Production Coordination

• Work closely with production planners to ensure raw materials are available in alignment with production schedules.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to balance supply assurance and working capital efficiency.
• Collaborate with the logistics team to coordinate inbound material freight

4. Cost Control & Analysis

• Track and report on raw material price trends and develop cost forecasts for budgeting.
• Identify and execute cost-saving and value-improvement opportunities.
• Support the finance team with pricing data and purchase order reconciliation.

5. Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, environmental regulations, and chemical handling laws.

Verify suppliers’ adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management.
• Understanding of commodity markets and chemical raw material pricing.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and understanding of regulatory compliance for hazardous materials.

Core Competencies:

• Market intelligence and commercial awareness
• Strategic sourcing and cost optimization
• Risk management and problem-solving
• Cross-functional teamwork

Ethical and safety-driven decision-making

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Management, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain within the chemical, fertilizer, or related industry.

Familiarity with international trade terms (Incoterms).