Materials Sourcing Specialist - Plastics

The Materials Sourcing Specialist will be responsible for procuring high-quality plastic materials used in manufacturing processes. This position involves working closely with suppliers and scrap producers, evaluating material options, ensuring cost-effective purchasing, and maintaining an optimal inventory level to meet production requirements. This role requires an understanding of the recycled plastic materials market, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple suppliers and purchase orders simultaneously.

Supplier Management:

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for plastics raw materials such as resins, waste feedstocks, additives, and compounds.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential suppliers to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and delivery schedules.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance reviews to ensure compliance with quality and delivery standards.

Purchasing and Procurement:

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure the best possible deals.
• Place purchase orders, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance with company policies, and timely delivery of materials.
• Monitor inventory levels and forecast material needed to avoid production delays.
• Manage material lead times and keep track of delivery schedules to meet production timelines.

Cost Management and Budgeting:

• Assist in developing and managing the material procurement budget to ensure cost control and savings.
• Analyze market trends, price fluctuations, and alternative suppliers to find cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
• Track and report on material costs, identifying areas for potential cost reduction.
• Consistently test market prices for raw materials and feedstocks to ensure Multy is benefitting from the greatest value in the market.

Product Development & Launch Planning:

• Maintain awareness of new product development projects and materials required to support new product Statement of Requirements (fit, form, function).
• Work with product development and material science teams to create specifications for NPI materials and associated mechanical properties.
• Support new material development & trials with targeted feed stock sourcing based on material properties required.

Material Quality Control:

• Ensure that materials purchased meet the company's quality standards and specifications.
• Work with the Quality Control team to investigate and resolve any material quality issues that may arise.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to understand material requirements and resolve any supply chain challenges.

Material Science & Formulation Development:

• Work closely with Material Science Engineering team to:
• Optimize processing & mechanical properties of current formulations.
• Develop new formulations based on available raw materials.
• Validate processing & properties improvements of new formulations prior to use.
• Solve issues related to material performance in field based on customer and 3rd party processor feedback.

Data and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, supplier agreements, and inventory levels.
• Provide regular reports on material usage, stock levels, supplier performance, and budget status to management.
• Monitor and report on market trends and potential risks affecting supply.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, preferably within the plastics or manufacturing industries.
• Certifications (Optional): Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or other relevant certifications in procurement or supply chain management are a plus.
• Experience in sourcing and purchasing plastic materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, or elastomers is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Experience with sustainability initiatives and sourcing eco-friendly materials is highly preferred.
• Experience in continuous improvement project management in a production environment.
• In-depth understanding of the plastics materials market, including industry trends and pricing factors.

Technical Skills

• Plastics materials science fundamentals
• Recycled materials & waste feedstock sourcing
• Material testing & performance analysis
• Formulation development support
• Supplier technical evaluation & audits
• ERP & procurement systems
• Cost and market analytics
• Quality systems & compliance
• NPI material readiness