Strategic Manager - Marine
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
The Role
The Sourcing Manager will lead strategic sourcing for multiple marine categories, with an initial/primary focus on Marine Container, Terminals and Surveyors. The scope and breadth of this position may evolve as business needs change, and the role may be asked to support other transportation modes as needed. This position will develop market insights and deliver total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) reductions while maintaining supplier service levels. A strong understanding of chemical terminals and/or container shipping is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Commercial leverage to achieve best cost and service outcome for responsible Categories
- Assess and address category risk
- Implement and develop mitigation and contingency plans
- Work closely with key stakeholders, ensure alignment with Business, Logistics Operations Technology, and Manufacturing stakeholder needs, and develop effective category strategies and implementation plans
- Develop and maintain deep market insights and expertise into assigned categories
- Must be familiar with overseeing sourcing strategy, development, and execution
- Drive sustainable procurement and risk management objectives
- Oversee process to select suppliers and own relationship and performance
- Negotiate and execute contracts in line with the product and category strategies
- Collaboration with key business and functional partners to ensure alignment of strategies with business needs
- Measure and track internal performance within each spend category
- Drive annual productivity improvements in each spend category
- Collaboration with Marine Operations and distribution safety to qualify new vendors
- Balance commercial and sustainable aspects to make sourcing decisions aligned with company and business strategies
- Conduct strategic RFPs, supplier evaluations, and bid analyses as needed
- Partner with Legal to ensure alignment with corporate standards and compliance requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business or related field required
- Master’s degree a plus
- 5 years required 8+ years of experience preferred either within Procurement or similar relevant experience.
- Experience with Chemical Terminals or Marine modes strongly preferred
- Chemical industry experience strongly preferred
- Negotiation experience with customers or suppliers
- E-procurement tool experience preferred (Coupa, Ariba, etc.)
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis, cost modeling, and market research
- Logistics operations background is preferred
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
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Logistics, Supply Chain Manager, Supply Chain, Compliance, Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Legal