NA Procurement Director
Northbrook, IL, US, 60062
Job Description
Stepan Company is seeking a Director of North America Procurement, Raw Materials to lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for critical direct raw materials supporting the Surfactant and Polymer businesses. This role is accountable for significant annual spend and supply continuity and leads a team of procurement professionals while partnering closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, Legal, and Sustainability teams. The role translates market and business dynamics into effective sourcing decisions that support cost competitiveness, risk mitigation, and long term value creation.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead North America raw materials sourcing strategy and supplier management to ensure cost competitiveness, supply reliability, and sustainability progress.
• Own sourcing decisions for assigned raw material categories, including supplier selection, contracting strategy, pricing mechanisms, and risk trade offs, within established enterprise guidelines.
• Provide market intelligence on commodity trends, pricing indices, tariffs, and supply risks to inform business and operational decisions.
• Partner with Business, Supply Chain, Operations, and Commercial teams to align sourcing strategies with demand planning, customer requirements, and continuity needs.
• Drive cost out, productivity, and value creation initiatives while maintaining a disciplined and actionable savings pipeline.
• Lead, develop, and coach a team of procurement professionals, ensuring strong capability, performance, and role clarity.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracts, forecasting, and business continuity planning while supporting continuous improvement and simplification of procurement processes.
Qualifications
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Commercial leadership roles.
• Experience sourcing raw materials within the Chemical, Petrochemical, Oleochemical or related manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated success by leading teams and influencing stakeholders in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, financial, and risk management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at senior levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and previous experience with SAP or other Global ERP system
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to ~25%).
Education
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
Pay Range: $185,000 - $250,000
The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.
At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Discretionary Bonus
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K with Match
- Profit Sharing
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance
- Reactions – Recognition Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago