Director of Purchasing

Rochester Midland Corporation, a leading manufacturer and global supplier of specialty chemicals, is searching for an experienced Corporate Purchasing Manager who is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for raw materials to support chemical manufacturing, and for finished goods across multiple business units. This role requires deep familiarity with ERP systems and a data-driven approach to purchasing and supplier management as well as strong understanding of the chemical supply chain, vendor management and regulatory compliance.

This role is onsite in Rochester NY.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and oversee the deployment of the company strategic sourcing plan
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with production needs, cost targets and inventory goals
• Source, negotiate and manage supplier contacts for chemical raw materials, packaging components
• Conduct contract negotiations, RFQs, and supplier onboarding
• Develop effective relationships with key suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure reliability, quality and cost competitiveness
• Lead activities with key Suppliers to identify, develop and drive productivity improvements in cost, quality, lead time, process improvements, and re-engineering opportunities for improved product performance
• Responsible for chemical storage (including flammable), water treatment, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting for multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Source and develop Toll Blending partners as required
• Track and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including but not limited to Supplier performance, Supplier quality, internal order placement performance, commodity spend, and customer complaints to drive root cause/corrective action
• Oversee and manage Purchasing activities including, but not limited to, price management program, order placement activities, inventory management for raw materials, parts, supplies and services
• Direct and coordinate Purchasing projects to ensure they complete on schedule, within approved budgets
• Collaborate with Director of Logistics and their Production Planning team to evaluate and maintain Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) methodology for different item categories and manage implementation plan with the Purchasing Team
• Support Marketing on new product development and product changes
• Maintain working relationships with RIT Packaging Testing Lab, and other Labs as needed
• Monitor global supply chain trends and identify opportunities for cost savings, risk mitigation and alternative sourcing opportunities
• Manage and optimize the purchasing modules of the company's ERP system to ensure procurement processes are automated, efficient and scalable.
• Develop and maintain item master data, vendor profiles and purchasing parameters in the EAP system to support efficient procurement operations
• Ensure the availability of necessary supplies, raw materials and finished goods through a variety of approved processes, including Planned Order reports, MRPs, shortage reports, Min/Max reports and Safety Stock shortage reports. Collaborate with Production Planning/Marketing to set up and maintain accurate safety stock levels.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state and international regulations

EDUCATION/ SPECIAL LICENSES OR CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (Master's preferred)
• Knowledge of chemical market dynamics and raw material sourcing
• CPM, CPSM or APICS certification is a plus

EXPERIENCE:

• 8+ years progressive experience in Purchasing or Materials Management function, to include experience utilizing MRP planning and supporting a production operation, as well as Supervisory experience. Strong experience with a variety of manufacturing environments, various filling equipment, process controls, and Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP's).
• Experience with regulatory compliance and safe handling of hazardous materials
• Proven experience managing multi-site procurement functions

SKILLS:

• Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and experience implementing or optimizing purchasing modules. Experience with Microsoft Great Plains ERP software a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent negotiation, communication and supplier management skills

COMPETENCIES:

• Negotiation
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Financial Acumen
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Change Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Leadership
• Ability to work with people at all organization levels
• Oversee employees working both on-site and remotely
• Adaptability
• Relationship-Building
• Attention to detail
• Emotional Intelligence
• Initiative
• Time Management & Prioritization
• Integrity & Accountability
• Mathematical/statistical analysis

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Visual acuity necessary to read labels, tickets, electronic devices, etc.
• Proximity to chemicals, with potential exposure to chemicals and chemical odors
• Proximity to forklift traffic
• Occasional extra hours
• Required use of personal protective equipment

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.