Position Summary:
This is a crucial Individual Contributor (IC) Manager role within the Direct Purchasing team, focusing on securing the supply of critical raw materials for our tire manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Sourcing: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key tire raw materials, including but not limited to: natural and synthetic rubbers, steel cords, carbon black, and chemical bonding agents.
- Supplier Management: Manage the full relationship lifecycle with key global and local suppliers, ensuring compliance, quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
- Cost & Data Analysis: Conduct in-depth cost analysis, market intelligence, and supply risk assessments. The role requires strong numerical acumen and the ability to perform detailed data analysis to support purchasing decisions.
- Negotiation: Lead complex commercial and contractual negotiations to achieve optimal terms and value for the company.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary purchasing interface for global headquarters and multiple internal departments (R&D, Quality, Manufacturing plants), requiring frequent, cross-cultural, and cross-time-zone communication, including calls/meetings that may require adjusting to different time zones.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Experience: Approximately 5 years of progressive experience in Direct Materials Purchasing, preferably within the chemical, material science, or related manufacturing industries. Prior experience in procuring chemical raw materials is highly desirable.
- Education: A strong academic background in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, or Engineering is highly advantageous.
- Language: Excellent command of English (both written and verbal) is mandatory for frequent communication with the Global Leader, the APAC Purchasing Manager (based in Brazil), and global stakeholders.
