Senior Buyer

Oxea Corporation Overview | World leader in Oxo Chemicals

Oxo products are the core competency of Oxea Corporation. We are producing more than 70 oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives for customers in a wide range of industries with various end market applications. Our chemicals are important ingredients in products that are used in daily life around the world. "We" refers to more than 1,400 Oxea Corporation employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, China and the Netherlands, we produce intermediates and derivatives.

Job Purpose 

The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives that align with business objectives to ensure long term sustainability.  The Senior Buyer will work closely with our Capital Projects team, amongst others, to develop the contracting strategy which includes issuing RFP’s, evaluating proposals and providing recommendations, negotiate favorable pricing for Oxea, and ensure capital discipline within the role.  Additional duties will include contract execution to ensure proper terms and conditions align with scope of work, analyze market conditions and make recommendations to internal stakeholders based on market trends, and ensure supplier compliance to Oxea KPI’s as well as Oxea’s policies and procedures.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop strategic initiatives and objectives to drive business growth while maintaining capital discipline.
• Build a strong understanding of assigned categories, strategic business direction, and requirements by staying updated on market trends and working with internal stakeholders to understand their business continuity needs.
• Negotiate contracts and process purchase orders that will primarily support the capital projects team in Bay City and ensure Oxea partners with appropriate suppliers to ensure best quality, cost, and delivery terms.

• Coordinate and manage all activities during the purchasing process, including procurement master data, monitoring transportation and invoice review and follow-through, to ensure on time payment to all vendors.

• Build and maintain effective supplier and vendor relationships; oversee key supplier interfaces to enhance Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).

• Maintain key performance metrics appropriate for assigned category and suppliers.

• Work with stakeholders to ensure requisitions and purchase orders adhere to OXEA’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures. 

• Expedite open orders and provide a weekly status update to stakeholders and Procurement Manager.
• Maintain excellent and regular communication with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Lead and provide the evaluation of supplier RFQ’s utilizing appropriate negotiation and procurement analysis techniques.
• Manage purchase order disputes to ensure fair and timely resolution with suppliers. This includes escalation of disputes where needed with the support from Procurement Manager and Legal.
• Maintain compliance with our ISO processes, participate on internal and external audits, support/ensure on time finding closure.
• Responsible for new vendor set up and working with requestor and vendor master to ensure compliance.
• Provide an update on AP Block Report and collaborate with requestors to update purchase orders as needed for payment.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Environmental, Finance, Legal, Compliance and Contracts Specialist to reduce costs, improve lead time, innovation & efficiencies.
• Identify and implement procurement to pay process improvements.

Key Interactions

• Internal: Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Environmental, Finance, Legal, Compliance and Buyers
• External: OXEA Suppliers

Notable Working Conditions 

• Typical plant/office environment. Regular travel between Houston and Bay City required

Education Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering or related field (preferred)

Language Requirements 

• English 

Background and Experience 

• Minimum of 7+ years related experience, preferably in MRO and/or chemical plant environment.  Category Manager experience a plus.
• Experience with cost analysis, strategic contracts management and supplier negotiations a must.
• Experience with material, service and project procurement.
• Experience in a plant environment (preferred), background and/or knowledge in MRO, pumps, rotational equipment, turnarounds, maintenance, and operations.
• Experience in developing strategic category initiatives around vendor consolidation, cost savings, inventory, optimization, etc.
• Extensive experience in capital project execution from a Procurement/Supply Chain perspective.

Competencies and Skills

• High level of negotiation skills (tactical, strategic, techniques).
• Highly organized, detail oriented and able to work independently.
• Must be able to communicate effectively across multiple functions and work well in a team environment.
• Strong SAP experience (OLA, Auto PO, MRP, etc.)
• Strong PC application skills including complement of Microsoft Office software.

Oxea Corporation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Check Out Our Benefits

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
• Health Equity Health Fund for health and dependent care
• Disability Benefits
• Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Work/Life Balance
• Paid Time Off for a balanced life
• Competitive salary, bonus, 401(k) plan with match and profit-sharing match