Procurement Specialist

Title: Procurement Specialist

Location: Pasadena, TX

Who We Are

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for leading strategic sourcing initiatives aligned with company objectives to provide sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable materials and services to Kuraray's businesses. The Procurement Specialist role involves identifying and qualifying new suppliers that meet Kuraray's requirements, while continuously developing market intelligence to inform top-tier strategies. The Procurement Specialist will also represent Kuraray in negotiations and work closely with diverse business teams to implement sourcing programs and strategies enabled by third-party goods and services. The Procurement Specialist also includes overseeing supplier performance, managing contracts, and driving process improvements that contribute to long-term cost savings and operational efficiency.

This position will be a Hybrid/Remote position (2 days per week in the office/ 3 days per week remote).

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Planning

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that drive continuous improvement, service excellence, and sustainable cost savings.
• Conduct market analysis to stay informed on trends, cost drivers, and labor rates that may impact sourcing decisions.
• Provide early procurement involvement in key projects to ensure sourcing considerations are embedded from the start.
• Use planning systems and protocols to support long-term procurement goals.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and process optimization across procurement activities.
  
  

Supplier Relationship & Contract Management

• Lead the selection, evaluation, and onboarding of suppliers based on quality, cost, service, compliance, and capability.
• Manage key supplier relationships to ensure alignment with business needs and performance expectations.
• Negotiate favorable terms and manage contract lifecycles, including post-award activities, purchase orders, and ongoing vendor relations.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to quality, service, safety, and supply disruptions.
• Address and mitigate complex supplier incidents to maintain strong supplier performance.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with supply chain, operations, logistics, and other internal teams to ensure procurement strategies support business goals.
• Collaborate with the Global Raw Materials Procurement team to align local strategies with global sourcing initiatives.
• Serve as a key liaison to internal stakeholders at all levels, providing regular updates on procurement initiatives and outcomes.
  
  

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Identify inefficiencies in procurement systems, processes, or procedures and lead improvement initiatives using change management best practices.
• Continuously assess and refine procurement processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure adherence to audit, compliance, and regulatory standards, reporting any deviations or risks appropriately.
  
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct research and data analysis to inform procurement strategies and decision-making.
• Prepare, organize, and present procurement reports, including metrics, accomplishments, and special project summaries.
• Track and report on key performance indicators and progress toward procurement goals.
  
  

Project Management

• Manage multiple concurrent procurement projects, ensuring priorities are clearly defined and timelines are met.
• Apply structured project management approaches to deliver consistent results across initiatives.
  
  

People Leadership

• Directly manage and mentor a direct report, fostering their growth and development.
• Set performance goals, conduct regular check-ins, and provide constructive feedback.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or Sourcing
• Minimum of 3-5 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management
• Proven track record of successful negotiations and supplier management.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills, with experience in multicultural and international environments.
• Proficiency in SAP, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Experience with SAP Business Queries and data analysis to inform decision-making.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license.
  
  

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
• Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
• Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
• Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
• Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
• Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
• Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
• Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
• Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
• Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
• Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
• Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
  

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer AA M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

No third-party candidates accepted.