Strategic Procurement Manager

Our world needs ideas! As one of the world’s most research-intensive chemical companies, we have been developing leading solutions for numerous sectors – from construction to photovoltaics and cosmetics to rubber – for over 100 years. We have a global presence with production sites on three continents and 14,300 employees from 70 nations.

At our site in Charleston, we are currently looking for a ​Strategic Procurement Manager​ to join our growing team.

This is Us:

You know us. You just didn’t know it. WACKER is a global chemical manufacture that prides itself on “Creating Tomorrow’s Solutions”. WACKER materials are so versatile and adaptable, they have virtually unlimited applications just about anywhere imaginable, making WACKER an integral part of daily life. Whether it’s protecting buildings from the elements, a tube of toothpaste, a cell phone, airbags, or cosmetics, people from all over the world come into contact each day with our products and achievements. We are looking for capable, innovative, and enthusiastic achievers to join our team and grow with us. We are currently seeking a Strategic Procurement Manager for our team in Charleston, TN.

What you will do:

This position has responsibility for the purchase of materials and services that have the highest spend value for Wacker. This individual is expected to take a lead role in developing, negotiating, and administering contracts that take full advantage of the total corporate volume. The Strategic Procurement Manager is responsible for the protection of the Company’s assets by procuring materials in an ethical manner that meets the Company’s strategic goals and provides the greatest overall monetary value to the supply chains. This position will provide functional leadership in procurement practices and facilitate the continuous improvement of the partnership between its internal customers and Wacker’s suppliers to achieve the lowest total cost of ownership.

• Lead and facilitate the coordination with other WCC departments with the timely procurement and delivery of key materials and services.  
• Lead timely preparation for Procurement Monthly Reports, KPI's, forecasts, audits, supplier complaints/claims/evaluations and other reporting as necessary
• Collaborate effectively with Procurement colleagues in Germany to help develop purchase agreements in a manner that ensures all Wacker requirements and special terms, and conditions are met
• Lead joint meetings with Operations, Technical, EHS, Business Units/Teams and other departments to review requirements, specifications, new or existing sources of supply, forecasts, recommendations for reduced procurement spend, etc.
• Lead role in developing and implementing negotiation strategies that satisfy the objectives of all Business Units/Teams and production. Research and understand the market conditions, advances in technology, supplier performance and economic forecasts. Keep Business informed regarding economic conditions, market conditions, lead times and shifts in pricing. Professionally resolve problems (both internal and external) in a fair and ethical manner while protecting the long-term interests of the Company
• Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to other departments with regards to supplier relations and meeting external customer's expectations. Investigate and evaluate new sources of supply, conduct meetings with suppliers and continually endeavor to keep abreast of developments that influence the various markets. Coordinate, conduct, and participate in meetings and discussions between suppliers and/or related personnel concerning subjects other than normal price, delivery or quality negotiations (i.e. value analysis, new methods, techniques, processes, etc.). Conduct on-site reviews of supplier facilities and products/process capabilities to assess current and potential supplier qualifications
• Develop and implement cost reduction strategies in support of annual cost reduction targets.
• Develop and manage strategic supplier sourcing and selection including global sourcing to achieve performance, quality, EH&S, price, and materials strategies. Direct, negotiate and manage contracts
• Develop and implement procurement department policies and procedures and make contributions in line with strategies to achieve raw material targets and goals

What we need from you:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree required; Master's Degree is preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role or work experience in Procurement for a large global/multinational company, preferably within the chemical and manufacturing industries with proven successful job performance
• Prior leadership role in contract management, RFQ bid process, contract law and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) preferred
• Good understanding of negotiation strategies and risk management
• Excellent and proven negotiation skills; ability to read, understand, and write legally binding contracts
• Excellent written and verbal skills; ability to communicate with all levels of management internally and external to WACKER
• Excellent persuasive and presentation skills
• Ability to work within a global matrix organization
• Strong analytical, financial, and research capabilities
• Proficiency with SAP & Microsoft Office applications; and the ability learn additional IT analytical programs 

Life at Wacker:

Wacker is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our individual differences are our collective strength. We encourage our employees to be their authentic selves and desire team members that share these interests. You will be valued for your contributions and perspectives as we continue to grow together. Your career is important to us, and we want to foster a mutually beneficial relationship where you feel heard, understood, and fulfilled. We consider our employees’ overall health and satisfaction when creating a benefits package. Below are some of the additional incentives our employees enjoy.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective Day 1
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Advancement Opportunities
• Education Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Support for Community Involvement
• Bonus Plans

WACKER, as an innovative chemical company, makes a vital contribution toward improving the quality of life around the world by developing intelligent solutions for sustainable growth. Our culture focuses on building and retaining diverse and inclusive teams. WACKER offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, competitive benefit offerings and beyond through giving back to our communities.

Be part of our WACKER family, across all nations!

We are looking forward to your online application at www.wacker.com.
Reference Code: 19465 

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The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. A minimum requirement for this US-based position is the ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent unrestricted basis.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, including for any type of US permanent residency (e.g., for a Green card).

WACKER is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected classes.