Regional Technical Goods Sourcing Specialist

The Regional Technical Goods Sourcing Specialist is responsible for the procurement of technical goods for Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) and turnaround requirements across all locations of Covestro LLC. This role includes spend analysis, development of sourcing strategies, negotiation of supply and pricing agreements, and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities. The position holder acts as a subject matter expert for all spend under the scope, including system support.

Major Spend Responsibilities
This position is mainly responsible for the procurement of the following technical goods for the US region:

1. Gaskets and Hoses
2. Pipe Fitting and Flanges
3. General Industrial Supplies
4. Lab and Safety Supplies
5. Automation, Pumps, and Parts (APP) select categories
6. All services associated with the items above
7. Other mechanical component categories not listed above
8. Select other miscellaneous Technical Goods Categories

Major Responsibilities

• Strategic Supply Base Management: Manage a strategic supply base with an annual spend of approximately $15MM-$20 MM.

• Procurement Activities: Perform all procurement activities related to the purchase of technical goods for maintenance requirements and turnaround events.

• Supply Assurance: Safeguard supply in North America at specified quality and technical performance according to business needs by leading the development, execution, and implementation of sourcing strategies regionally with a focus on achieving the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

• Supplier Markets: Actively pursue supplier markets to strengthen the competitiveness of Covestro LLC by establishing, maintaining, and utilizing worldwide approved vendors.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Improve supplier relationship management on a continual basis.

• Leverage Regional Knowledge: Optimize and utilize leverage of regional Covestro knowledge and demand (standardization, vendor consolidation).

• Contract Negotiation and Maintenance: Negotiate and maintain contracts, measure, and improve existing contract performance.

• Process Efficiency: Improve process efficiency through automation and/or outsourcing of non-strategic functions.

• Alignment with Business Entities: Align with Business Entity objectives and maintain a strong partnership with production and technology.

• Market Representation: Represent Covestro in the market, identify synergies, and lead sourcing events.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Technical or Business area and at least 4 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing for major industrial facilities or similar professional experience.

• M.B.A. and at least 2 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing for major industrial facilities or similar professional experience.

• The eligibility to apply for and obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within a reasonable timeframe

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred certifications: CPM or CPSM (desired); CPIM

Knowledge & Skills:

• Understanding of Technical Goods and Ability to read technical specifications

• Data collection and basic analysis

• Cost comparison and basic financial calculations

• Negotiation fundamentals

• Clear communication (verbal and written)

• Ability to create and deliver presentations

• Understanding of sourcing strategies

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and MS Office skills, especially Excel

• Familiarity with e-procurement tools (e.g. Ariba, Pinpools)

• Awareness of supply chain risks

• Understanding of basic procurement regulations

• Team collaboration

• Adaptability to change

• Ability to follow and suggest process improvements

• Fluency in English, additional languages beneficial

• Awareness of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies

• Process improvement in procurement

• Ability to function in the Procurement matrix organization to implement strategic procurement initiatives and build interest in regional and global procurement plans

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