Director of Procurement

The OpportunityThis is a high-impact leadership role with direct influence on PPC’s cost structure, supply continuity, and innovation pipeline. The Director will play a critical role in shaping procurement strategy, strengthening supplier networks, and aligning closely with R&D and operations to support both business performance and long-term growth. This position offers the opportunity to build organizational capability, drive strategic sourcing excellence, and contribute meaningfully to PPC’s innovation and sustainability agenda. This is a hybrid position located in Cranberry Township, PA.The PositionThe Director of Raw Materials is responsible for leading PPC’s procurement strategy, processes, people, and performance across all raw material and packaging categories. This role oversees more than $600MM in annual spend and ensures the organization secures competitive cost, service, innovation, and supply continuity.Reporting to the Vice President of Procurement and serving on the Procurement Leadership Team, this leader drives category strategy, supplier management, financial performance, and cross-functional alignment across Technology, Operations, Quality, COE, and Finance. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Category Leadership:Develop and execute long-term category strategies balancing cost, service, risk, and innovationBuild deep market intelligence across feedstocks, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical factorsLead complex supplier negotiations leveraging cost modeling and market benchmarksAnticipate raw material trends and align with Technology on cost drivers and material indicesInnovation & Technology Alignment:Partner with R&D to identify and commercialize new materials and technologiesSupport innovation and sustainability initiatives through supplier scouting and developmentDrive dual-approval strategies to reduce supply risk and increase leverageSupplier Management & Collaboration:Develop and manage strategic supplier relationshipsLead alternative supplier and product qualification programsEnsure supplier performance meets quality, reliability, compliance, and sustainability standardsFinancial Performance & Analytics:Own budget-to-forecast processes for raw materialsMaintain savings pipelines and track validated financial resultsUtilize cost models and pricing tools to inform sourcing decisions and forecastsPeople Leadership & Team Development:Lead, coach, and develop a team of category managersBuild capability in sourcing, cost modeling, and market intelligenceFoster a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvementGovernance & Process Excellence:Ensure compliance with procurement policies and controlsDrive process efficiency and digital enablementMaintain strong cross-functional alignment across the organization Qualifications Required Experience:10+ years of progressive procurement experienceExperience in chemicals, coatings, or related manufacturing industriesBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Chemistry, Business, or related field Proven leadership experience managing and developing teamsStrong analytical capabilities (cost modeling, forecasting, financial analysis)Demonstrated success in cost savings and complex negotiationsPreferred Experience:MBA or relevant advanced degreeDeep understanding of chemical markets and feedstock dynamicsExperience working in formulation-driven environments Key Success MetricsCost savings and procurement value deliverySupply continuity and risk mitigationSupplier performance and strategic partnershipsForecast accuracy and financial alignmentProgress on dual sourcing and innovation initiatives Additional ExpectationsStrong cross-functional collaboration with Technology, Operations, and FinanceAbility to navigate market volatility and supply chain complexityLeadership presence within the procurement organization and across the businessCommitment to continuous improvement and process excellence