Director of Procurement

Our client, a leading billion-dollar chemical manufacturing organization, is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Procurement to join its leadership team in Memphis, Tennessee.

This individual will be responsible for leading the company's procurement and strategic sourcing functions, ensuring a reliable supply of critical materials, optimizing costs, and developing strong supplier partnerships that support continued growth and operational excellence.

This is a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across manufacturing, operations, finance, engineering, and executive leadership teams over two sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement and sourcing strategies that align with business objectives.
• Lead procurement activities across raw materials, chemicals, packaging, indirect spend, MRO, and logistics categories.
• Negotiate and manage strategic supplier agreements and long-term contracts.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality, service, and supply continuity.
• Monitor commodity markets and industry trends to proactively manage risk and pricing exposure.
• Establish supplier performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner closely with plant operations, finance, engineering, and executive leadership.
• Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and corporate standards.
• Utilize data analytics and procurement technologies to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of procurement and strategic sourcing experience within chemical manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience managing procurement teams and complex supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated success negotiating high-value contracts and driving measurable cost savings.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management, contract negotiation, and supplier development.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Chemical manufacturing industry experience.
• CPSM, CSCP, CIPS, or similar professional certification.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, or other ERP systems.
• Global sourcing experience.