Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer – Raw Materials, Plastics & Chemicals

Location: Knoxville, TN

Are you ready to take your procurement expertise to the next level?

Our client is seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Buyer to play a key role in optimizing procurement operations, strengthening supplier relationships, and ensuring continuity of supply. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional with experience in the plastics or chemical industry to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization.

Experience sourcing materials such as resins, TiO₂ (titanium dioxide), carbon black, additives, and other chemical raw materials is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the procurement of raw materials, indirect materials, MRO supplies, services, and capital equipment.
• Develop and execute supplier and commodity sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply agreements to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor supplier performance and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct market analysis and communicate key cost drivers, risks, and industry trends.
• Maintain accurate supplier records, pricing data, and procurement documentation.
• Lead supplier audits, corrective action plans, and cost-reduction workshops.
• Support budgeting, costing exercises, and procurement KPI reporting.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure inventory availability and supply chain reliability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience, preferably within the plastics or chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of global supply chains, supplier management, and commodity purchasing.
• Proven negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and Power BI.
• Experience with Dynamics 365 is considered an asset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of critical sourcing initiatives, influence procurement strategy, and contribute directly to the success of a leading manufacturing organization. If you're passionate about supplier development, cost optimization, and building resilient supply chains, we'd love to hear from you.