Purchasing Procurement Director

ABOUT OPTA
From our roots providing sand to local foundries in the 1880's, Opta has grown to an international group of companies committed to delivering optimal results for our customers. Opta's purpose is to create solutions that enhance productivity and set new standards for industrial performance. Our mission is to consistently deliver custom-engineered additives, specialty equipment and technical expertise that solves complex challenges, optimizes process and drives long-term success.

OPTA CORE VALUES

• SAFETY: We put safety first on our processes, our products and our culture to protect people and ensure long-term operational success.
• PEOPLE: We invest in our people because their expertise drives the solutions that power our success.
• CUSTOMERS: We build lasting partnerships by understanding our customers' challenges and delivering customized solutions that meet their unique needs.
• INNOVATION: We continually seek smarter, more effective and innovative ways to deliver solutions, blending creativity, data-driven insight and practical application.
• SUSTAINABILITY: We engineer solutions with efficiency, responsibility, and sustainability as our foundation, optimizing performance today, while strengthening the resilience of tomorrow's operations.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Purchasing Manager will oversee and optimize the management of the company's procurement activities related to procurement of powdered raw materials (lime, petcoke, fluorspar, etc.) used in the production of desulphurization blends used in steelmaking. The Purchasing Manager will ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials, maintaining a deep understanding of key markets, suppliers and related commodity pricing. This individual will also build strong relationships with suppliers and implement sourcing alliances. This position requires a dynamic leader with proven expertise in procurement and supply chain management, as well as an understanding of international freight logistics and the sales and operations planning (S&OP) process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage all procurement activities related to powdered raw materials, ensuring the supply of high-quality materials in line with production and inventory management needs.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of key markets and commodities, continuously monitoring trends and global supply chain dynamics.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, including developing/maintaining strategic sourcing alliances to optimize cost, quality, and lead time.
• Develop, review, and maintain purchasing contracts with key suppliers.
• Implement and drive procurement strategies to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure high standards of quality and compliance.
• Develop, track and manage key performance indicators (KPI) to show continuous improvement in key areas (e.g., cost reduction).
• Collaborate with sales, operations, engineering and R&D teams to ensure alignment between procurement activities and company objectives.
• Identify needs and develop supply risk mitigation strategies to ensure against potential supply disruptions.
• Support the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process by collaborating with sales, operations, and logistics to ensure materials are procured according to demand forecasts, capacity availability, and inventory requirements.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing principles to optimize procurement processes, drive cost savings, and improve operational efficiency.
• Manage supplier performance, including conducting regular supplier reviews, audits, and assessments to ensure compliance with contractual agreements and performance standards.
• Work closely with senior management to manage budgets, forecast material costs, and ensure alignment with financial objectives.
• Oversee international procurement requirements, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of materials across global supply chains. Collaborate with the logistics team to coordinate international freight requirements.
• Continuously evaluate procurement policies and procedures, making recommendations for improvements where necessary.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in procurement, category management, operations, or supply chain in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in sourcing chemicals or other direct materials used in industrial applications; experience in steelmaking or steelmaking chemicals is a plus.
• Demonstrated track record of negotiating contracts and achieving cost savings.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and proven ability to harvest spend data and perform spend analytics. (Experience with IFS and/or AX2012 is a plus.)
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills, with the proven ability to develop and present findings and recommendations. Competency with analytical tools, such as MS Power BI, is a plus.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and how to apply them to procurement and supply chain processes.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining supplier relationships and sourcing alliances.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, analytics, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze market trends and make informed decisions that align with company goals and objectives.
• Strong leadership skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This hybrid role blends remote work with some travel (approximately 20%-25% of time). This role offers opportunities for collaboration with internal teams and external partners in a dynamic supply chain environment.

Opta offers a diverse compensation and benefit package that includes the following:

• Extended Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Health Savings Account
• Life, AD&D, and Dependent Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Match
• Competitive Compensation Program
• On Demand Pay (Dayforce Wallet)

We thank everyone for applying however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Opta USA, an Opta Group Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age (40-70), national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement).