About Us

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide. 

SUMMARY:

Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost-effective supply of a portfolio of raw materials, goods and services to support business goals and operations, including production, contract manufacturing, R&D and corporate functions.  The role is typically responsible for more than $100MM in annual spend with a high level of complexity and business critical materials.  The role typically comprises 70% strategic and 30% tactical procurement and works with very limited direction and guidance.  Responsibilities include the development of strategies and providing leadership at a global level within particular categories of raw materials. May manage or supervise employees.

1. Define and implement long-term sourcing strategies at both a regional and global level for specific raw materials, products, and services while coordinating across regions.
2. Understand raw material markets, key market drivers & interdependencies. Identify and manage factors that influence availability and pricing. Anticipate, manage and communicate significant market changes.
3. Develop and manage supplier relationships and supplier performance to ensure alignment with key business objectives (i.e., cost, quality, delivery, safety, business continuity, sustainability, payment terms, inventory, and new products). Identify, lead, and drive implementation of supplier-focused projects to reduce cost and improve performance.
4. Negotiate with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in price and supply conditions. Ensure commercial terms are optimized, supply is maintained, contracts are implemented and SAP data is current.
5. Identify and implement new sources of raw materials within existing portfolio and new technologies that enable competitive advantage, and sponsor and support qualifications and approvals.
6. Develop and maintain forecasts (volume and price) for use with suppliers and for internal communications, including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process.
7. Take the lead to identify and implement best-practice procurement processes and tools. (i.e., RFPs/RFQs, negotiations, vendor selection and qualification, supplier relationship management and performance, and contract development)
8. Monitor quality and consistency of raw materials, products, and services. Resolve supplier quality issues effectively and drive supplier improvement by consulting with Process Technology, R&D and Manufacturing.
9. Consult with cross functional business partners to provide information regarding market dynamics, competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives, quality, service, and supply chain issues.
10. May supervise employees, facilitate employee career development and training, and manage employee performance.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering (strongly preferred) or related fields.
• Demonstrate strong experience and results in strategic procurement/sourcing, complex negotiation, strategic planning, project management, influencing, and leadership qualities typically acquired through at least 10 years of experience in related roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of procurement in the SAP environment, typically acquired through 10 or more years of procurement experience.
• Strong applied experience using tools and technologies (such as SAP, Tableau and MS Office) to perform detailed business and data analytics and communications efficiently and effectively.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Advanced degree (Masters or MBA)
• Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant, or chemical industry
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification (e.g. CIPS)
• Lean Six Sigma experience/certification
• An appropriate combination of education and experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

Working at Afton

Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits / Compensation - We offer competitive compensation and benefit packages that reflect our commitment to our employees. Our employees are our most treasured asset and we have dedicated resources that allow us to reward our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis - ensuring our compensation packages are competitive in the industry

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.