Procurement Intern, Summer 2026

Houston, United States

Title: Procurement Intern, Summer 2026

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Founded in 1926, Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation

Be part of a historic milestone as we celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026! Our centennial year will be filled with local and global events, storytelling campaigns, and sustainability initiatives that reflect Kuraray's legacy and future vision. Interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects and anniversary events while experiencing firsthand what it means to be part of a company with a century-long commitment to innovation, safety, and community impact.

Internship Summary:

Join a dynamic and evolving Procurement team at a mid-sized specialty chemical company committed to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. As a Summer Intern, you will gain hands-on experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement operations while contributing to initiatives that promote harmonization and collaboration across our U.S. sister companies. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work in a cross-functional environment and develop skills that are critical to a successful career in supply chain and procurement.

The paid internship will be approximately 13 weeks in duration for the summer of 2026 with flexible start and end dates. Student interns must be able to work full-time Monday through Friday.

This is a hybrid position, generally working 2 days per week in the office or at a plant and 3 days remote.

The internship will be split between a major project and daily tasks

Housing will not be provided for the internship

Responsibilities:

Support sourcing activities including supplier research, RFQs, and cost analysis
Assist in data collection and spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement practices across sister companies
Help maintain and update procurement documentation, contracts, and supplier records
Participate in supplier performance reviews and support vendor onboarding processes
Contribute to process improvement initiatives and procurement system enhancements
Prepare reports and presentations for internal stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications:

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
Completed two years of college education before beginning internship (3rd or 4th year student)
Strong academic performance minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA and extracurricular achievement.
Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience with ERP systems is a plus
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Interest in the chemical industry and procurement best practices
Prior internship or project experience in supply chain or procurement is a plus
Must have legal U.S. working authorization to participate in the program.
Must successfully pass the pre-employment screening process.
Must have a valid drivers license to drive in the US
Must be at least 18 years of age.

Competencies:

Customer Focus
- Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
Business Insight
- Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
Cultivates Innovation
- Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

Action Oriented
- Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
Ensures Accountability
- Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
Drives Results
- Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
Collaborates
- Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Values Difference
- Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
Communicates Effectively
- Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Courage
- Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
Instills Trust
- Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
Situational Adaptability
- Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.