Purchasing Director

Innospec Inc; Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global chemicals company is seeking a Purchasing Director to manage strategic contracts and ensure cost-effective sourcing for the EMEA Fuel Specialties businesses. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, MCIPS qualification, and over 10 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include supplier relationship management and aligning purchasing strategies with regional business objectives. Strong negotiation and leadership skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in a similar role within a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in NDA and contract negotiation.
• Hands-on experience with e-tenders and e-auctions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure cost-effective sourcing for EMEA Fuel Specialties.
• Negotiate and manage strategic contracts and supplier relationships.
• Develop purchasing strategy to align with regional business goals.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical capability

Leadership

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline with MCIPS qualification

Job description

For more than a century, Innospec has been developing specialty chemistry for fuels and is now the world’s largest supplier of fuel additives. This is an exciting time to join the business following 15% sales growth and 40% operating income improvement since 2021. With continued expansion across Africa, India, Central Asia and China, and a leading position in patenting new additives for renewable fuels, the next five years are expected to bring further strong growth.

As Purchasing Director, you will ensure cost‑effective sourcing and security of supply for the EMEA Fuel Specialties businesses through:

• Negotiation and management of strategic contracts and supplier relationships.
• Maintaining security of supply and regularly reviewing supplier capabilities and market impacts.
• Working with global leaders and senior managers to optimise inventories based on demand and material availability.
• Working closely with other global regions and SBUs to identify and implement synergistic sourcing agreements and operational best practices.
• Attending appropriate Business Team and supplier meetings.
• Working with FS Supply Chain to provide cost effective and timely supply to all locations.
• Supporting new product development through competitive sourcing.
• Establishing strong relationships with Sales Directors to support the sales process through provision of relevant market and supply information.
• Cash Management in line with corporate targets
• Managing and improving processes to ensure compliance with Innospec’s Corporate policies, SOX and Quality Management accreditations and best practices, including maximisation of technologies, inc. AI.
• Development of a go forward purchasing strategy to align with that of the regional business team.
• Supporting and when required leading projects for the other global regions or SBUs.

Role Requirements

• Educated to degree level in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with MCIPS qualification.
• 10+ years’ experience in a similar role within a chemical manufacturing environment, including exposure to third‑party manufacturing.
• Proven and effective negotiator with strong analytical capability and experience in NDA and contract negotiation.
• Hands‑on experience with e‑tenders and e‑auctions.
• Experienced people manager with strong leadership skills.

About Innospec

Our global team of approximately 2,000 employees spans 24 countries, applying their extensive experience and market understanding to customers’ local needs. Integrating our global footprint with local service capability enables us to supply quality products that meet and anticipate changing market dynamics.