Diligence Advisor (Critical Minerals Sourcing & Procurement)

Value Driven Solutions is engaging seasoned industry experts to support a confidential client through a focused commercial diligence project in the high-performance metals supply chain. We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert with deep, hands-on experience in the prime materials sourcing and procurement of critical minerals used in specialty alloy and high-performance metals production. This is a short-duration advisory engagement requiring discretion and the ability to translate operating experience into clear market perspective. What You'll Do Provide expert perspective on how the prime materials sourcing market is structured and how commoditized it is across critical mineral inputs. Speak to typical supplier-base dynamics — how many suppliers OEM/producer customers commonly work with, and how that has evolved. Assess the "stickiness" of supplier relationships, including switching costs, qualification barriers, and contract structures. Identify the factors that differentiate one supplier from another (quality, traceability, logistics, scale, certifications, etc.). Participate in structured expert calls and/or written Q&A with the diligence team. Background We're Seeking A lead procurement, sourcing, or supply chain role responsible for critical minerals feeding high-performance / specialty metals production. Experience at a specialty metal / superalloy producer or a downstream OEM. Ideal backgrounds include companies such as Acerinox, Aperam, ATI, Doncasters, Ellwood, Howmet, PCC (Precision Castparts), or SeAH Steel , or comparable organizations. Direct working knowledge of the sourcing of materials such as nickel, nickel-cobalt alloys, titanium, cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten . Strong command of supplier markets, pricing/commoditization dynamics, and customer switching behavior. Ability to engage candidly and professionally under a confidentiality agreement. Engagement Details Short-term, project-based advisory work. Confidential — a non-disclosure agreement is required prior to engagement. Conducted via scheduled calls and/or written input around your availability. #J-18808-Ljbffr VDS Consulting Group