Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost-effective supply of goods & services necessary to support Afton business goals and operations including but not limited to production facilities and on-site R&D facilities.  Position is typically responsible for $5-10 MM in annual spend for site sourced material, equipment, and services, order and contract management, and is the primary contact for Vendors. The role typically comprises of 50% tactical and 50% strategic procurement activity. This position works semi-autonomously with purchasing responsibility and some supervision.

• Develop and manage supplier relationships to negotiate and maintain price and supply conditions ensuring commercial terms are optimized, supply maintained, contracts implemented and managed as appropriate and SAP data maintained.
• Manages contracts for third party facilities support.
• Develop an understanding of the market for products and services purchased and identify the factors which influence availability and pricing (know the buy) ensuring that significant market changes are anticipated, managed and communicated.
• Identify and select source(s) of products and services. Work with the supplier base to identify new sources within existing portfolio and new technologies which may bring advantage to Afton, sponsoring and supporting approvals as appropriate. Directly manage or assist with ISNetworld contractor supplier qualification and maintaining accuracy of the program.
• Responsible to execute Request for Information (RFI’s), Request for Quotes (RFQ’s), Request for Proposals (RFP’s), Purchase Orders (PO’s), and Service Agreements (SA’s).
• Reconciles invoices of goods and services and is the point of contact for corporate AP to help resolve issues.
• Consult with R&D, Manufacturing and other departments as required, investigating and resolving quality, services, or performance issues quickly and effectively.
• Collaborate with other Afton purchasing team members on a regional and global basis to identify synergies that will ensure maximization of strategic purchasing initiatives.
• Employ strategies as appropriate to ensure business continuity objectives are met. Works collaboratively with site personnel to identify and deliver cost to serve opportunities. 
• Ensure site purchasing activities and contract management are consistent with company policies and procedures.
• Able to identify process improvement opportunities and develop implementation strategies for best practice adoption.

Perform other duties in aligned spaces, as necessary, in support of overall plant operations

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Business, Economics, Math, Chemistry or related field
  • 5+ years of Procurement or directly relevant experience
  • Demonstrated communication, negotiation and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated experience with SAP for procurement management - REQUIRED

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)

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• • High personal credibility and ethics
  • Six Sigma, LEAN Process Improvement, or other methodology
  • Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of market economics, cost drivers, value chains etc. (ideally within the chemical industry)
  • Able to manage conflicting and rapidly changing priorities prioritize effectively and deliver to deadlines
  • Effective negotiation facilitation and conflict management skills
  • Self-starter with strong business acumen and the ability to link business goals and market trends to make sound procurement decisions
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build consensus
  • Strong strategic and analytic approach to procurement with knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and practices
  • Broad knowledge of the principles of contract writing and management
  • Demonstrated computer literacy with MS Office
  • Team-oriented leadership dedicated to continuous improvement, maximizing productivity and effectiveness in the organization, and promoting best practices
  • Effective listening skills

LEVEL DIFFERENTIATORS

Level 8: Candidate typically meets requirements for the role with sufficient experience to operate independently with regular direction and oversight.  Regularly seeks advice and approval before making decisions.

Level 9: Candidate operates mostly independently with some direction and oversight.  Through experience, typically has the capacity to manage a portfolio of greater size and complexity.  May seek advice and approval before making decisions.

Level 10: Candidate relies on extensive experience to accomplish goals. Has the capacity and ability to manage portfolios of greater size and complexity.  Typically, only seeks advice and approval on larger or more complex decisions.

Working at Afton

Who We Are – We are 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 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.