MRO Procurement Manager

OQ Chemicals Company Overview | World leader in Oxo Chemicals

Oxo products are the core competency of OQ Chemicals. 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 OQ Chemicals employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, China and the Netherlands, we produce intermediates and derivatives.

Job Purpose:

The MRO Procurement Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing the procurement of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) supplies and services across three key areas: Maintenance/Repair/TA/Contractors, Operations/Lab/Safety/Environmental, and CAPEX/Projects. This role requires strategic leadership, a focus on cost control, sustainability, and continuous process improvement. The MRO Procurement Manager will lead a team of buyers, drive measurable EBITDA improvements, and implement strategies that enhance supplier relationships, inventory management, and overall procurement efficiency.

The position will act in accordance with the Group’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Leadership:

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on strategic sourcing and procurement excellence.
  • Set clear objectives and performance metrics for the team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management:

  • Develop and Execute a MRO procurement long term strategy
  • Implement category management strategies and MRO contracts that align with company objectives.
  • Negotiate and implement Trade Working Capital (TWC) initiatives.

• Sustainability and Benchmarking:

  • Benchmark sustainability programs with MRO suppliers and gather data to support their sustainability initiatives.
  • Integrate sustainability considerations into the procurement process, aligning with the company’s environmental goals.

• Cost Control and EBITDA Improvement:

  • Drive cost control initiatives with a measurable contribution towards EBITDA improvement.
  • Identify and record cost avoidance successes with a financial impact, ensuring continuous value creation.
  • Present quarterly updates on improvement initiatives, demonstrating progress and financial impact.

• Inventory Management and Optimization:

  • Influence plant users and suppliers to achieve optimal inventory management, reducing excess stock while ensuring availability.
  • Implement initiatives for inventory optimization across all MRO categories, balancing cost and operational efficiency.

• Process Improvement and Technology Implementation:

  • Develop and implement tools for order placement and tracking improvement, enhancing procurement transparency and efficiency.
  • Develop and implement KPIs for on-time delivery of ordered items, driving supplier performance.
  • Implement agile dashboards for decision-making, providing real-time insights into procurement activities.
  • Lead procurement process improvement initiatives, streamlining workflows and reducing cycle times.

• Category and Contract Management:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive category management strategy for MRO procurement, ensuring alignment with business needs.
  • Implement strategies for MRO contracts that ensure favorable terms, risk mitigation, and long-term value.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, operations, finance, and other departments to ensure alignment on MRO procurement needs and strategies.
  • Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on procurement best practices and policy adherence.

Key interactions

Internal: Interface with Plant Leadership, Engineering, Maintenance, Financial functions and Manufacturing.

External: Negotiating with suppliers for contracts of MRO materials and services.

Notable Working Conditions: This position may require occasional travel to supplier sites and other company locations. The role involves working in an office environment with frequent interaction with other departments and external suppliers.

Education Requirements: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Finance, Business or related field required; MBA strongly preferred. Certified Purchasing Manager (CMP) certification strongly preferred.

Language Requirements: English 

Background and Experience:

• Relevant experience as a professional purchasing manager who has held a highly professional procurement role acquiring MRO and Services in the chemical industry.
• Deep understanding of tender law and tender procedures.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft, Excel, Power Point, Word and ERP (SAP) systems.
• Experience working in international markets is an added advantage.
• Experience leading a team.

Competencies and Skills:

• Strong leadership, negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Experience leading remote teams and stakeholders.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and category management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems (SAP), and advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to develop and implement KPIs and dashboards for performance tracking.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.

OQ Chemicals 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.

 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

All Employees are invited to participate regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, disability or veteran status, and any other criterion prescribed by law.