Purchasing Specialist

Americas Styrenics - The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands, TX

Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing

About the position

The Purchasing & Contract Specialist, Information Technology will primarily focus on developing and managing value-added strategies for Information Technology and Business Excellence products, services, solutions and associated contracts. Other responsibilities include professional service contracts and company NDAs. Position will perform duties essential to the successful management and execution of IT/BE and professional service and purchase agreements to support major projects, operations, and maintenance at all AmSty manufacturing sites and Headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Develop different contracting and procurement strategies based on company needs to ensure goods and services procured are obtained at the best value for the company.
• Capture synergies among different facilities, where applicable.
• Analyze spend and improve suppliers and contractors database and reports.
• Lead contract development and implementation efforts, while partnering with stakeholders on the contract lifecycle.
• Lead contract negotiations including business terms and Service Level Agreements.
• Negotiate standard and non-standard complex contracts that provide optimal cost exposure and protection of company assets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery while meeting quality and cost targets.
• Continuous process improvement to streamline the P2P process.
• Establish IT category sourcing strategy, including best practices and work process documentation.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and technology that may impact sourcing strategy.
• Negotiate ad hoc and long term IT and professional service contracts and NDAs with vendors and contractors.
• Manage vendor relationships, drive improvement in the areas of cost, risk, and quality and maintain open dialogue with key vendor contacts.
• Identify alternative or new vendors and contractors.
• Support automation or adoption of new technology by presenting products and services that balance Company's need for business agility, speed, and risk management.
• Create and maintain electronic contract files in Apttus, including all relevant documents affecting the life cycle of the contract.
• Proactively monitor evergreen notification dates, confirming intent to renew or cancel current contract with business owners prior to the notification date.
• Establish information technology category procurement goals, identify and publish KPI metrics, and develop work plans to meet operational objectives.
• Support cross-functional initiatives, including those of Quality, EHS&S, Finance, Operations, Business Excellence, Information Technology, etc.
• Coordinate and help resolve any purchase order/contract performance and supplier invoice issues.
• Validate and monitor price adjustments and communicates changes to the affected stakeholders.
• Provide pricing forecast or budgetary information as needed.
• Demonstrate expertise with SAP.
• Develop and execute purchase orders associated with assigned categories.
• Manage effective communications for internal stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Adhere to high standard of business ethics and integrity.
• Complete ad hoc analyses or projects as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management or Information Technology.
• At least 2 years' experience in oil, gas and chemical or related industry with extensive knowledge in negotiating and executing information technology type service agreements to support information technology and professional service needs.
• Proficient in negotiating term and conditions with strong commercial negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to think strategically; fact-based approach with solid analytical skills.
• Ability to research contract issues in various systems and be able to communicate with external and internal personnel in order to resolve issues.
• Detail-oriented and timeline driven with emphasis on accuracy and results.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize workload, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong, proactive team player able to effectively work across multiple departments and with external business partners; ability to work cross-culturally with colleagues and vendors throughout the world.
• Ability to interface and communicate clearly and effectively (both orally and written) across all levels of the organization including senior management.
• Proficiency with all applications of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Functional knowledge of SAP R3 or higher.

Nice-to-haves

• Paralegal or legal background a plus.
• Knowledge of business law concepts, legal terminology and contract language a plus.
• Experience with Apttus and S/4HANA a plus.