Director of Global Sourcing - Chemicals
Director, Global Sourcing - Specialty Chemicals
Location: Memphis, TN (Fully Onsite)
Relocation: Relocation Assistance Provided
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a highly strategic and commercially driven Director, Global Sourcing to lead the global sourcing and procurement function for a diverse portfolio of specialty chemical raw materials. This leader will be responsible for developing and executing global category strategies, managing key supplier relationships, driving cost savings, mitigating supply risks, and ensuring uninterrupted supply across domestic and international operations.
The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise sourcing specialty and industrial chemicals on a global scale, with a proven track record of negotiating complex supply agreements and navigating dynamic chemical markets.
This position requires a hands-on leader who can build strong supplier partnerships, leverage market intelligence, and collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Commercial teams to support business growth and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Global Sourcing Strategy
- Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for critical raw material and specialty chemical categories.
- Lead supplier negotiations, contract development, and long-term agreement management.
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve supplier performance, and enhance supply chain resiliency.
- Develop sourcing strategies that align with business objectives, operational requirements, and growth initiatives.
- Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) initiatives across key chemical categories.
Category & Supplier Management
Lead sourcing efforts for key chemical categories including:
- Glycols
- Amines
- Polyacrylamides
- Silicones
- Enzymes
- Defoamers
- Biocides
- Surfactants
- Organic Solvents
- Monomers
- Polymers
- Acids
Additional responsibilities include:
- Managing strategic global supplier relationships across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
- Conducting supplier business reviews focused on cost, quality, delivery, innovation, sustainability, and risk.
- Developing supplier scorecards and performance metrics.
- Identifying and qualifying alternative suppliers to support dual-source and risk mitigation strategies.
Market Intelligence & Risk Management
- Monitor global chemical markets, feedstock trends, capacity utilization, and pricing movements.
- Assess impacts from geopolitical events, tariffs, logistics disruptions, and regulatory changes.
- Develop contingency plans and business continuity strategies for critical materials.
- Provide executive leadership with actionable market intelligence and sourcing recommendations.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and develop sourcing and procurement professionals.
- Partner closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, and R&D teams.
- Support new product development and commercialization efforts through supplier identification and qualification.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes and supplier management programs.
Financial Performance
- Deliver annual cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation targets.
- Improve working capital through inventory optimization and supplier payment term initiatives.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and procurement planning activities.
- Manage procurement spend across a multi-million-dollar global sourcing portfolio.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive procurement and strategic sourcing experience.
- Minimum 5 years of direct global sourcing experience within the specialty chemicals, industrial chemicals, performance chemicals, or chemical manufacturing industry.
- Demonstrated expertise sourcing multiple chemical categories including glycols, amines, polymers, surfactants, solvents, silicones, and specialty additives.
- Proven experience negotiating multi-million-dollar global supply agreements.
- Strong understanding of chemical supply chains, manufacturing operations, and raw material markets.
- Experience managing complex supplier relationships on a global scale.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or Master's Degree.
- CPSM, CPM, or equivalent procurement certification.
- Experience within specialty chemicals, water treatment, coatings, adhesives, lubricants, industrial manufacturing, or performance materials industries.
- Knowledge of international trade, import/export regulations, and global supply chain networks.
- Experience with SAP, Oracle, or other major ERP platforms.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.Â
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