[Hiring] Procurement Category Lead @International Paper

Role Description

This position is responsible for the procurement of MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) materials required to support our mill and converting facilities. The Buyer will effectively utilize the SVC2 process in either a lead or support role to increase value to IP. Scope includes:

• Procurement strategy development
• Negotiations
• Advanced analytical tools
• Contract administration
• Warranty enforcement
• Ongoing supplier management across IP’s North American box plant system

Targeted OEM part replacement at converting facilities and mills is a strategic priority for this role. The position will engage plants through storeroom bin crawls and use internal systems and enablement team resources to identify parts that can be purchased from Class 1 suppliers at significant savings compared with OEM sources. Travel may be approximately 40-50%, focused on facility and supplier visits. IP spends more than $1 billion annually on MRO materials, and this role will be responsible for approximately $200 million in annual expenditure and contracts across multiple categories.

Responsibilities:

• Lead converting team in identifying OEM parts that can be sourced through existing distribution channels.
• Achieve targeted cost reduction goals in the purchase of MRO categories by lowering purchase price, streamlining processes, and negotiating better terms.
• Act as Lead/Assist Buyer for the execution of sourcing event (wave) activities for MRO Categories.
• Utilize the SVC2 process to create effective strategies that deliver maximum cost reduction and value creation.
• Engage and facilitate a diverse team including plant stakeholders, other buyers, financial analysts, execution/enablement teams, and other subject matter experts.
• Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to assist with decision making, policy formulation, or other purchasing functions.
• Lead or support supplier management activities with strategic suppliers.
• Act as the change management champion for contract categories managed, with responsibility for implementation of new agreements and contract compliance.
• Lead and participate in activities with an 80/20 mindset to continuously improve processes and eliminate non-value added waste in the sourcing process.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is recommended.
• At least three years of work experience, preferably in a facility or industry setting.
• Prior experience in maintenance, manufacturing, purchasing, or capital projects is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, technical aptitude, strong communication and analytical skills.
• Basic understanding of finance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong PC skills required to access financial data, analyze alternatives, and prepare presentations.
• Proficiency with SAP, Sievo, SharePoint, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.

Requirements

• Negotiating
• Action Oriented
• Drive for Results
• Priority Setting
• Timely Decision Making
• Decision Quality
• Conflict Management
• Dealing with Ambiguity
• Business Acumen
• Problem Solving

Benefits

• Health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• 401(k) with company-funded retirement contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets