Raw Materials Senior Buyer

Raw Materials Senior Buyer – PG 10-12 Description: Global Sourcing Buyers are responsible for the contract development, negotiations, implementation and ongoing supplier management associated with the corporate-wide procurement for Raw Materials and Packaging materials.  This position is responsible for on-going management of global categories and full responsibilities for category commitments of up to $50MM annual spend for Raw Materials.  Annual cost savings and negotiated TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) values are two key criteria for success.  Agile and Inclusive and Collaborative are skills that are required for success.  Customer Focus and Business Savvy play an important part in everyday activities. This position will reside in Memphis, TN.   Key Roles and Responsibilities: Through negotiations and in partnership with suppliers, provide cost effective raw materials on time that consistently meet expectations of all the Company’s major manufacturing plants in the U.S. and globally. Relentlessly pursue opportunities to reduce and avoid costs through good planning, research, communications and the application of sound procurement strategies and tactics. Research, understand and seek to influence the competitive forces and cost factors that will determine our ultimate cost of raw materials and effectively apply this information to the negotiating and procurement function. Surface and drive opportunities for reduction of TCO (total cost of ownership / life cycle cost) by engaging key suppliers in suggesting improvements in our operations, processes, or procedures with the goal of reducing total cost without emphasis solely on reducing the initial purchase price of the supplier commodity. Develop and implement supplier programs to provide long-term best value while ensuring that the Company stays on the leading edge in the suppliers’ development of new, improved, technically advanced materials, while engaging technology and business stakeholders. Establishing contracts for materials and services, in accordance with corporate policy, to obtain maximum value for Sylvamo in terms of cost, quality, delivery, and continuing service. This includes obtaining competitive bids (or sole source negotiations where necessary), thoroughly evaluating bids, negotiating improved value, awarding/implementing contracts and managing on-going supplier relationships. Full responsibility for all Category related activities.  These include, but are not limited to: the Strategic Sourcing process, price control, proposal analysis, negotiating improved value, awarding & implementing contracts, communications with manufacturing facilities, and managing contracts to ensure on-going supplier relationships Involve all necessary stakeholders including plants and facilities, Technology, Finance, and Business functions as needed to drive collaboration, influence change, and ensure successful implementation. Communicate and collaborate with suppliers around Sustainability.  Do this through communication of our Supplier Code of Conduct and Sylvamo’s Sustainability Strategy, as well as by understanding current suppliers’ sustainability risks and opportunities.  Investigate new suppliers and products that drive sustainability.  Consider Sustainability opportunities and risks throughout each step of the Strategic Sourcing Process Use of the following software programs is required, SAP, Business Warehouse, Power BI, SharePoint, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook Timely and clear communication with Sylvamo facilities regarding category awards, price updates, market conditions, etc. is essential. Act as a liaison with plants and suppliers as issues of quality, price and delivery arise.   Key Challenges:   Understanding the competitive forces that help determine a material’s cost, and by developing and implementing effective supply strategies. The position develops strategies and tactics used in negotiations for a broad range of raw materials. Global Sourcing Buyer must gain the cooperation of a large number of stakeholders, including facility and corporate managers, engineers and technicians, to reach a consensus regarding material and service preferences before leveraging the Company’s combined raw materials requirements. Achieving cost reductions often requires convincing one or more plants to make a change: a change in suppliers, a change in materials, inventory targets or some other variation in plant or plant’s “standard” procedures. Understanding Business risks and how to mitigate them.     Education and Work Experience: A BS/BA degree in Management, Supply Chain, Finance or engineering is required or equivalent purchasing related experience A minimum of 5 years work experience is needed, which should include work on cross-functional teams and experience negotiating contracts Experience in a Corporate Purchasing role utilizing Sylvamo’s strategic sourcing process is highly desired Knowledge of basic product function through experience or self-study is preferred Work experience at a manufacturing facility is preferred Excellent written and verbal communication skills required Strong analytical skills Significant expertise in procurement and/or commercial practices Proven skills in negotiating and administering contracts and agreements Working knowledge and understanding of accounting and internal controls   Key Competencies:   Business Savvy (the ability to negotiate favorably for Sylvamo) Agile (the ability to adjust manage multiple priorities) Customer-Focused Courageous (the ability to drive for results and action oriented) Inclusive and Collaborative Organizing Trustworthy      Key Differentiators   Understanding of Supply Chain Advanced analytics skills involving BW, excel, Power BI, Alteryx or other analytic tools