Strategic Buyer

Job Description

Stepan is seeking a S trategic buyer to join our Procurement team in Paris or Voreppe (38). In this role, you will report to the Procurment Director. You will s trengthen procurement capabilities on key chemical categories by bringing deeper market understanding and supporting supply security and value creation across Europe. Your spend is around 100MM$.

Key responsibilities :

* Lead strategic sourcing activities on selected chemical categories
* Develop strong market intelligence (supply/demand dynamics, cost drivers, supplier landscape)
* Secure supply in a constrained environment and manage supplier relationships at a senior level
* Identify and deliver savings and cost avoidance opportunities
* Contribute to structuring and prioritizing procurement activities across strategic and long-tail categories
* Work closely with business stakeholders (operations, sales, technical teams)

Education & Qualifications

* 8–12 years of experience in procurement, ideally in chemicals or industrial environment
* Strong exposure to commodity markets and/or technically driven categories
* Technical background (engineering) or solid experience managing complex chemical categories
* Ability to engage with suppliers on both commercial and technical aspects
* Structured, pragmatic, and solution-oriented
* Comfortable operating in an international environment

What we are looking for

* Someone who can own complex categories beyond sourcing processes
* Strong business acumen combined with market understanding
* Ability to operate in dynamic / constrained supply environments

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 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 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.