Director, Purchasing NA

The Director, Purchasing NA leads the North America Purchasing team and the procurement of goods and services for the company. The role develops purchasing strategy and builds strategic supplier partnerships to achieve best-cost solutions through strong relationship management.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Develop and maintain a Purchasing vision and strategic plan aligned with CGT’s goals and objectives. Serve as the subject matter expert and professional advisor to CGT Management on all aspects of the organization’s Purchasing activities;
• Optimize global suppliers through price negotiation, alternative sourcing and new supplier development;
• Collaborate closely with CGT technical and product development teams to qualify the most viable suppliers, considering functions and practicality, not only cost;
• Liaison with CGT purchasing teams in Asia and Europe to understand global trends and regional initiatives, in order to leverage CGT global procurement advantages;
• Establishes and manages systems, procedures and policies and oversees the planning, implementation, negotiation and evaluation of suppliers;
• Determine staffing requirements for the Purchasing team to support program and system delivery based on budget plan;
• Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission;
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to manage and develop performance. Partner with HR on any staff-related performance concerns;
• Develop a comprehensive annual budget and business plan and report progress towards plan goals to Senior Leadership;
• A high level of tact and diplomacy are frequently required in order to develop and cultivate internal and external vendor relationships. The nature of the relationships is diversified at all levels of the internal and external organization and requires above-average negotiation skills;
• Maintain a high level of influence on the development and results of the organization by ensuring the purchasing team supports on-time, quality product to CGT customers;
• Identify and evaluate risks to the organization’s people, property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks;
• Relentless focus on cost-down initiatives and opportunities;
• Tendency to control risks.

Qualifications — Knowledge and Experience

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or an Engineering discipline, or equivalent.
• PMAC designation.

Skills and Experience

• Ten or more years of experience in a purchasing leadership role within a medium-to-large manufacturing environment are required. Experience in the chemical industry is preferred.
• Highly developed analytical, reasoning, problem-solving and negotiation skills are required for complex decision-making. Candidates must also demonstrate creativity, strong personal initiative and fortitude.
• The role requires close cooperation with CGT global teams and international vendors. Extensive experience working effectively across global business cultures is therefore highly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work is usually performed in office, plant and lab environments, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces. Requires low physical demands.
• Standard work week, but additionally will often work evening, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities.
• Domestic and international travel is required to accomplish the role’s objectives.

Benefits of working at CGT:

• Salary commensurate with the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated knowledge
• Comprehensive health benefits including - health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage for you and your dependent family
• RRSP matching program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Safety shoe and safety eyewear program
• Professional development opportunities
• Privately owned Canadian business
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff with high tenure and experience
• 150+ year history
• Company events and celebrations