Procurement Manager (tallow & bio-based intermediates)

The Procurement Manager, Tallows & Bio-Based Intermediates is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for renewable feedstocks and oleochemical intermediates that support Vantage’s manufacturing operations in South Chicago. This role manages the procurement of animal fats, vegetable oils, and derivative intermediates used in the production of specialty chemicals serving the personal care, industrial, and performance materials markets.This position operates in a complex environment and requires strong expertise in feedstock markets, supplier networks, and cost management. The role partners closely with manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and R&D teams to ensure reliable supply, competitive cost structures, and alignment with Vantage’s sustainability objectives.The role also contributes to delivering strong customer experience by ensuring consistent product availability, reliable supply chains, and competitive cost structures that support Vantage’s ability to meet customer needs.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Market IntelligenceDevelop and implement sourcing strategies for tallow, animal fats, vegetable oils, fatty acids, glycerin, and other oleochemical intermediates.Requires trading, contracting, and buying feedstocks in conjunction with procurement team. Monitor global markets for fats, oils, and renewable feedstocks to anticipate supply risks and pricing trends.Identify opportunities to optimize costs, improve sourcing strategies, and strengthen supplier partnerships.Support the identification and sourcing of sustainable bio-based feedstocks aligned with company sustainability goals.Supplier Management & Commercial Negotiations Manage relationships with rendering companies, agricultural processors, and oleochemical suppliers globally.Negotiate commercial agreements including long-term supply contracts and pricing mechanisms tied to commodity indices.Evaluate supplier performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.Ensure suppliers meet required quality, regulatory, and sustainability standardsOperational Supply & Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure reliable feedstock supply to production facilities.Partner with R&D teams to support new product development and raw material qualification.Support operations planning by aligning procurement strategies with production and supply chain needs. Align with the commercial team routinely on pricing, trends, and market intelligence. Financial Performance & Risk Management Partner with finance and operations teams to support raw material forecasting and budget planning.Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to feedstock availability or market volatility.Support initiatives that improve cost efficiency and working capital performance.Key Metrics / KPIsRaw material cost competitiveness versus market benchmarksSupply continuity and on-time supplier performanceStrategic sourcing savings and cost avoidanceSupplier quality and service performanceSupply risk mitigation and supplier diversificationInventory efficiency and working capital optimizationEducation & Experience:Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.Advanced degree (MBA or related) is a plus.Experience: 7+ years of procurement or sourcing experience within chemicals, oleochemicals, biofuels, agricultural commodities, or related industries.Experience sourcing animal fats, vegetable oils, fatty acids, glycerin, or other oleochemical feedstocks strongly preferred.Demonstrated experience negotiating supply agreements and managing commodity-based pricing structures.Experience working with global supplier networks and cross-functional teams in manufacturing environments. Knowledge, Skills, & TalentsStrong knowledge of oleochemical markets, renewable feedstocks, and commodity-based supply chains.Understanding of commodity pricing mechanisms, supply-demand dynamics, and market indices.Strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management expertise.Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities.Analytical and financial acumen to evaluate cost structures and sourcing strategies.Ability to manage supply risk and develop supplier diversification strategies.Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution.Commercial judgment and ability to navigate volatile commodity markets.