Director of Raw Materials

Director of Raw Materials

This is a high-impact leadership role with direct influence on PPC's cost structure, supply continuity, and innovation pipeline. The Director will play a critical role in shaping procurement strategy, strengthening supplier networks, and aligning closely with R&D and operations to support both business performance and long-term growth. This position offers the opportunity to build organizational capability, drive strategic sourcing excellence, and contribute meaningfully to PPC's innovation and sustainability agenda. This is a hybrid position located in Cranberry Township, PA.

The Director of Raw Materials is responsible for leading PPC's procurement strategy, processes, people, and performance across all raw material and packaging categories. This role oversees more than $600MM in annual spend and ensures the organization secures competitive cost, service, innovation, and supply continuity.

Reporting to the Vice President of Procurement and serving on the Procurement Leadership Team, this leader drives category strategy, supplier management, financial performance, and cross-functional alignment across Technology, Operations, Quality, COE, and Finance.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and analytical procurement leader with deep expertise in chemical or manufacturing environments. They bring a strong balance of commercial acumen, technical understanding, and leadership capability. This leader thrives in complex, dynamic marketsanticipating material trends, navigating supply risks, and building strong supplier partnerships. They are equally comfortable leading teams, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, and driving measurable financial outcomes. They combine data-driven decision-making with strong communication skills and a proactive, forward-looking mindset.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute long-term category strategies balancing cost, service, risk, and innovation
• Build deep market intelligence across feedstocks, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical factors
• Lead complex supplier negotiations leveraging cost modeling and market benchmarks
• Anticipate raw material trends and align with Technology on cost drivers and material indices
• Partner with R&D to identify and commercialize new materials and technologies
• Support innovation and sustainability initiatives through supplier scouting and development
• Drive dual-approval strategies to reduce supply risk and increase leverage
• Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships
• Lead alternative supplier and product qualification programs
• Ensure supplier performance meets quality, reliability, compliance, and sustainability standards
• Own budget-to-forecast processes for raw materials
• Maintain savings pipelines and track validated financial results
• Utilize cost models and pricing tools to inform sourcing decisions and forecasts
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of category managers
• Build capability in sourcing, cost modeling, and market intelligence
• Foster a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and controls
• Drive process efficiency and digital enablement
• Maintain strong cross-functional alignment across the organization

Required experience includes:

• 10+ years of progressive procurement experience
• Experience in chemicals, coatings, or related manufacturing industries
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Chemistry, Business, or related field
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams
• Strong analytical capabilities (cost modeling, forecasting, financial analysis)
• Demonstrated success in cost savings and complex negotiations

Preferred experience includes:

• MBA or relevant advanced degree
• Deep understanding of chemical markets and feedstock dynamics
• Experience working in formulation-driven environments

Key success metrics include:

• Cost savings and procurement value delivery
• Supply continuity and risk mitigation
• Supplier performance and strategic partnerships
• Forecast accuracy and financial alignment
• Progress on dual sourcing and innovation initiatives

Additional expectations include:

• Strong cross-functional collaboration with Technology, Operations, and Finance
• Ability to navigate market volatility and supply chain complexity
• Leadership presence within the procurement organization and across the business
• Commitment to continuous improvement and process excellence

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.