Strategic Sourcing Manager for Circular Feedstocks

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 and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2022 revenues of approximately $10.6 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com. 

Strategic Sourcing Manager for Circular Feedstocks
Location: Rotterdam (NL) or Merelbeke (BE)

The Role

As a Strategic Sourcing Manager for Circular Feedstocks Europe, you will be developing and executing elements within the unique and overarching Circular Feedstocks Sourcing Strategy. This is an opportunity to shape the way Eastman strategically sources its business in the Circular Economy, and you’ll be on the forefront of this work. The work comprises building up market and technical knowledge and translate this into commercial funnels You will be part of the sourcing efforts in the EMEA region to meet our needs as per our strategy including the needs for our recently announced 1bn$ investment in France. Our Announcement in France | Molecular Recycling | Eastman

This is a full-time position and will report into the Director for Circular Feedstocks Strategies. You will directly interact with other members of the regional and global circular project team as well as Corporate Technology and Innovation, Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Sustainability, in order to accomplish the goals of the Circular Economy business. There will also be a heavy interaction with Eastman Logistics, and of course, feedstock suppliers. It is expected that you will be comfortable to connect and present information to (Sr.) Leadership in a professional manner.

Responsibilities

• Interface with key business and functional partners; including VP level and above, to develop Feedstock category strategy development in alignment with business, technology and manufacturing needs
• Build and execute feedstock category strategies by leading a cross-functional, category team
• Create the situation assessment for the category including internal and external assessments, analysis of the business requirements, value chain and capability assessments (SWOT, 5-Forces, SCP, cost curves, etc.) 
• Actively scout the feedstock market to explore and identify new opportunities besides existing feedstock sources and actively manage the feedstock opportunity funnel.  
• Lead option generation that includes commercial, specification and demand levers and choices of priorities
• Work across multiple cross-functional teams, where you will be expected to have influence without authority
• Conduct Feedstock Supplier Management activities (research, identify, and validate the credibility of our new Circular Feedstock suppliers
• Develop and lead Feedstock Supplier Relationship teams, where applicable, to drive continuous performance improvement (annual target development, quarterly progress, etc)
• Lead and conduct Sourcing Events such as RFI’s, RFP’s, Reverse Auctions utilizing an eRFx tool as the preferred method of engagement. Obtain and analyze pricing bids to determine proper sourcing of raw materials
• Lead key negotiations as necessary to deliver the category strategy and deliver initial and ongoing cost advantage and/or TCO reductions.
• Uphold internal and external policies, regulations and laws.
• Ensures compliance with Eastman’s corporate and Global Sourcing processes.

These are the required skills

• This role requires the ability to think strategically and execute methodically.
• You have a passion for Circular Economy and possess exceptional communication, project management, leadership, change management and problem-solving skills with a strong bias for action.
• The successful candidate is French and English speaking.
• Sourcing/Procurement experience within the waste management industry (waste, plastics, paper, metal).
• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in a Technical degree would be preferred for this role. 

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day