MRO/Capex Category Buyer

About Verdant Specialty Solutions

Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemical company. Its customers include world-leading personal care and home care brands, energy solutions providers, and industrial companies. Verdant’s vision is to be the go-to provider of batch specialty surfactant-based chemistry for applications in the consumer and industrial markets. Based in Houston, the company has nine locations in the US and Europe. Verdant’s international team of about 300 employees are committed to safety, quality, and supply reliability.

Why Join Verdant?

Opportunities for growth Verdant is a fast-growing company that has the spirit of a small business. The company was formed in May 2021, so every employee plays an important role in culture and performance. It offers a dynamic ‘start up’ atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.

Committed to safety Despite having the spirit of a small business, Verdant rivals larger companies in its commitment to safety. Verdant prides itself on industry-leading environmental, safety, health and quality standards. At Verdant, there is no priority higher than safety

About the position in this pivotal role, you'll be at the heart of our procurement operations, focusing on the strategic sourcing of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) and Capital Expenditure (Capex) goods and services. Your expertise in the specialty chemicals industry, alongside a thorough understanding of energy markets and the legalities of contracts and vendor management, will drive our company's success. This position demands not only an adeptness in procurement but also excellence in project management and the ability to collaborate with global teams to achieve optimal results.

Responsibilities:

• Develop strategic procurement strategies for MRO and Capex, ensuring they align with our company's objectives and the volatile market dynamics.
• Lead the vendor selection and approval process, adhering to stringent legal and company requirements.
• Skillfully negotiate contracts with a focus on securing long-term benefits, reducing costs, and enhancing service levels.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to drive their performance in line with our capital project goals.
• Employ your exceptional project management skills to oversee capital projects from inception through Front End Loading (FEL) stage gates, ensuring adherence to specifications, budget, and timelines.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional, global teams to ensure a cohesive procurement strategy that supports our international operations.
• Keep abreast of market trends, legal changes, and innovations within the specialty chemicals and energy sectors to maintain a competitive edge.

Location: Chicago, IL or Houston, TX

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, specifically in MRO and Capex buying within the specialty chemicals industry or a closely related field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the legal aspects of contracts, vendor selection, and approval processes.
• Proficiency in navigating energy markets and negotiating related long-term contracts.
• Demonstrated success in vendor performance management in alignment with capital project objectives.
• Outstanding project management skills, capable of leading projects through FEL stage gates on a global scale.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage stakeholders effectively.
• Flexible and able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment, with a strong aptitude for working within a global team setting.

Benefits

• Competitive and comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits through Cigna.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution and yearly roll over (cannot be combined with FSA)
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Health advocacy and services
• Company paid life insurance and disability insurance
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Other company paid programs including identity theft resolution, travel assistance, will preparation, discounts on gym membership and equipment, massage therapy, nutrition programs and smoking cessation.

EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disabled -- http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf