Job Description
Job Summary
Polyvantis is a global leader in high-performance materials and a major buyer of Polycarbonate (PC) and Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA). As a newly formed company with operations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, we are seeking a Global Procurement Director to architect and lead a high-performing procurement function. This role combines strategic vision and real-time execution and requires a leader who is financially fluent, market-connected, and comfortable operating hands-on in a high-service, customer-focused environment. This person will report directly to the SVP Supply Chain & Procurement and will routinely engage with the CEO, CFO, and other senior executives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Market Engagement
- Build and execute a global sourcing strategy aligned with company objectives for cost, service, risk, and innovation.
- Develop strategic supplier relationships, particularly in PC, PMMA, and key indirect categories.
- Monitor global material markets and proactively mitigate supply and cost risks.
Procurement Organization Build-Up
- Design the procurement function, operating model, and global-local team structure.
- Define and implement global procurement policies, contract governance, and category strategies.
- Align procurement activities with commercial, operations, and financial planning.
Operational Execution & Hands-On Support
- Serve as the escalation point for urgent buys, supplier issues, and customer-driven priorities.
- Support execution directly, especially during major disruptions or for high-impact accounts.
- Coordinate closely with customer service, logistics, and manufacturing to maintain continuity of supply.
Financial Ownership & Executive Alignment
- Translate procurement strategy into financial impact, including margin, inflation, and working capital.
- Partner with the CFO and CEO to present sourcing plans, supplier risk scenarios, and performance updates.
- Support budgeting, quarterly reviews, and performance improvement initiatives.
Digital Tools & Process Standardization
- Lead the adoption of SAP S/4HANA and procurement analytics tools to drive visibility and control.
- Standardize sourcing and supplier management processes across regions.
- Promote digital workflows and automation to increase speed and reduce manual tasks.
Leadership & Global Team Development
- Build and lead a global procurement team with a culture of ownership, accountability, and performance.
- Develop talent through coaching, feedback, and formal development paths.
- Foster collaboration across regional teams while maintaining global consistency.
Leadership Profile
Required Behaviors
- Hands-on and action-oriented: Solves problems in real time and engages deeply in operational matters.
- Externally focused: Constantly scanning market dynamics, supplier performance, and risk factors.
- Financially sharp: Understands and articulates the P&L, working capital, and procurement's impact on margins.
- Collaborative: Builds cross-functional alignment and integrates procurement into planning, sales, and operations.
- Decisive: Acts with clarity and speed, especially under pressure.
Process Knowledge
- Strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier segmentation
- SAP S/4HANA procurement modules, analytics dashboards, and contract lifecycle systems
- Procurement risk management, compliance frameworks, and working capital levers
- RFQ/RFP processes, P2P workflows, and escalation protocols
- Commodity cost modeling, negotiation strategies, and should-cost analysis
Leadership Style
- Builder: Comfortable in a “blank slate” environment—sets up structure, tools, and culture from scratch
- Visible leader: Leads from the front in high-pressure situations; serves as the go-to person during crises
- Global mindset: Operates effectively across cultures and time zones
- People developer: Invests in talent and team performance with clear expectations and support
- Executive communicator: Can present complex sourcing strategies and financial implications with clarity and confidence to C-level stakeholders
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or Engineering; MBA preferred
- 10+ years in procurement, with 5+ years in global leadership roles
- Strong background in industrial materials, ideally PC/PMMA or specialty chemicals
- Proficient in SAP S/4HANA and digital procurement platforms
- Fluent in English; additional languages a plus
- U.S. preferred; open to Europe. Travel 25–40%
Work Availability
Regular, predictable attendance is an essential function of this position. Applicants must be regularly available and willing to work Monday- Friday during assigned hours of operation and such other hours as the company determines are necessary or desirable to meet business needs.
We are proud to be a diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We are fully committed to a culture of respect and inclusion.
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Local area, Monday to Friday,