Buyer - Category Manager - Milliken & Company

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leaderwhose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. Fromindustry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products thatenhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at and on , , and .POSITION TITLE Chemical Buyer / Category ManagerPOSITION OVERVIEWWe are in search of a Chemical Buyer / Category Manager for a portfolio of diverse chemical raw materials for the Milliken Chemical Division. Participate in developing and implementing strategies for sourcing major chemical materials within Performance Colorants & Ingredients (PC&I) portfolio. Continuously deliver value to the businesses via executing the strategic sourcing plan set by the Global Sourcing Manager, secure material supply, mitigate supply risk, and achieve cost reduction. This position requires strong interpersonal skills and work in a fast-paced environment. Previous work experience is preferred in chemical sourcing, manufacturing, supply chain, R&D, or sales in the chemical industry. The position is located at the Corporate HQ in Spartanburg, SC and reports to Senior Global Sourcing Manager. This position Is included in our Hybrid Work from Home Policy. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the raw material sourcing and execute sourcing strategy to support Milliken's PC&I business.

Manage material sourcing process, working with external strategical supplier / tolling partners, negotiate commercial terms and master supply / tolling agreements

Lead efforts to secure raw material supply, material de-risking, reduce raw material cost, and work with supply chain on working capital reduction

Support Senior Global Sourcing manager and VP of Sourcing, help develop sourcing strategy or strategic sourcing process to align with functional or business objectives

Managing supplier performance, supplier relationship, and resolving supply issues

Manage supplier relationship and performance, manage sourcing activities through Sourcing Request System (SRS), Supplier Action Request (SAR)

Assist in Make vs. Buy decisions and implementation of 3rd Party manufacturing to meet growth of PC&I business.

Communicate relevant information to the organization regarding performance of suppliers and any concerns with disruption to supply

Work collaboratively with R&D, business technical team, and supply chain to qualify and quantify material requirements and support PC&I growth initiatives

Monitor and analyze market trends and forecast developments in assigned categories. Deep understanding of chemical market dynamics / conditions and chemical price forecasting methodologies

Apply SAP / SAP analytical cloud, Microsoft Business Intelligence, Salesforce, and MDS tools in the development of Sourcing analytics

Develop, tract, and measure all cost savings to include negotiated price savings as well as engineered cost reductionsQUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

3+ years of sourcing experience in specialty chemicals preferred. Relevant experience in similar environment considered

Excellent analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, data analysis and presentation

Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt quickly to new role and skills

Fast paced and results orientated with strong interpersonal skills

Proficient in SAP / SAP analytics cloud preferred

Working knowledge of chemistry and / or chemical engineering preferred

Bachelor's Degree required; Bachelor of science degree in chemistry or chemical engineering preferred

Ability to travel overnight 20%The successful candidate will have strengths in the following:

Bias for action with ability to drive projects to completion

Taking ownership to resolve problems that occur

Fast paced, strong time management skills with ability to prioritize work and focus on critical activities while managing multiple projects

Fast learner and comfortable in an improvement driven environment

Strong communication skills and the ability to present technical information to all levels of the organization and key suppliers

Bias for understanding business needs and the ability to establish and maintain a high level of trust and confidence with internal stakeholders

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel), experience in data base management a plus

Ability to understand and participate in technical discussions

Strong project management skills with the ability to work in a cross-functional teamsMilliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.