Sourcing Specialist - Chemicals

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Sourcing Specialist – Chemicals / Raw Materials

Location: Alpharetta, GA (Hybrid)

Position Overview:

We are partnering with a global chemical manufacturing organization to identify a motivated and commercially minded Sourcing Specialist who is eager to grow into a strategic sourcing role. This is an excellent opportunity to build a strong procurement foundation while working alongside experienced sourcing leaders and gaining hands-on exposure to supplier negotiations, market analysis, contract management, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

In this role, you will gradually take ownership of sourcing activities for key raw materials, contributing directly to business competitiveness and supply chain performance. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and business leaders, helping generate valuable insights on market trends, pricing, and supply risks while developing strong commercial decision-making skills.

This position manages an annual spend of approximately $20 million and offers a clear development path toward a Sourcing Manager role. If you enjoy analyzing markets, building supplier relationships, and working in a fast-paced global environment, this could be an excellent opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies through RFPs, supplier negotiations, and competitive bidding processes to optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while ensuring security of supply.
• Build cost models and support negotiation preparation to drive informed commercial decisions.
• Monitor contract performance, pricing formulas, and savings delivery while supporting or leading supplier performance reviews.
• Collaborate with operations, manufacturing, and logistics teams to successfully implement sourcing decisions.
• Deliver cost savings targets through effective sourcing strategies and TCO methodologies.
• Analyze market trends, feedstock dynamics, and supply-demand balances, providing regular market intelligence and risk assessments.
• Participate in supplier interactions, performance tracking, and business reviews, gradually assuming ownership of supplier relationships and negotiations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, and Operations to support forecasting, price variance analysis, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Lead and support change management processes (MOC) for raw materials and supplier transitions.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 2–4 years of experience in direct procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain.
• Experience with SAP and Ariba Sourcing is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of chemical markets, feedstocks, and value chains is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing cost drivers and pricing mechanisms is a plus.
• Experience supporting supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost savings initiatives.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal); additional languages are a plus.

Why Join?:

• Join a global chemical manufacturing leader serving customers across more than 100 countries.
• Exposure to international sourcing and procurement operations.
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong executive visibility.
• Clear career progression into strategic sourcing and sourcing management positions.
• Opportunity to directly manage approximately $20 million in annual raw material spend and make a measurable business impact.