Purchasing Manager / Sr. Buyer - Chemicals

Position Overview

M-Team Solutions is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Purchasing Manager / Sr. Buyer to oversee the procurement of chemicals, raw materials, packaging products, and other supplies essential to manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for vendor management, cost control, forecasting material needs, ensuring inventory availability, and maintaining compliance with purchasing and safety standards. The ideal candidate has strong experience in industrial or chemical purchasing, understands supply chain dynamics, and thrives in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Material Procurement & Inventory Management

• Source, purchase, and manage inventory of chemicals, resins, additives, packaging materials, plastic/metal pails, lids, and related containers.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels by monitoring stock, usage rates, lead times, and production schedules.
• Ensure all materials meet quality, safety, and specification requirements for production.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, quality, and R&D teams to support changing material needs.

Vendor & Supplier Relations

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and reliable delivery.
• Maintain strong relationships with key vendors to ensure consistency, quality, and responsiveness.
• Resolve supplier issues related to pricing, quality, quantity discrepancies, or delivery delays.

Cost Control & Budget Management

• Analyze market trends for chemicals and packaging materials to optimize pricing and mitigate risk.
• Track material costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and maintain budget alignment.
• Prepare and present purchasing forecasts and cost analyses to leadership.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, standards, environmental and safety regulations, and industry best practices.
• Maintain accurate purchase orders, contracts, MSDS documentation, certifications, and supplier records.
• Support audits and quality system requirements related to procurement.

Operational Coordination

• Work closely with the warehouse and production teams to align deliveries with manufacturing needs.
• Resolve material shortages, back-order issues, or logistical challenges promptly.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to support operational planning and product launches.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience in the chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of chemical materials, industrial packaging, and supply chain logistics.
• Proven ability to negotiate pricing and manage complex vendor relationships.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to read and interpret material specifications, SDS sheets, and technical documentation.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience purchasing bulk chemicals, resins, or industrial packaging products.
• Knowledge of ISO or similar quality-management systems.