The Bulk Category Buyer for Acetic Acid will own the end-to-end category strategy and commercial operations for Acetic Acid across plants and business units.

This role encompasses global sourcing, contract management, bulk logistics (tank farms, ISO tanks, rail/barges), inventory optimization, compliance, and risk management.

The position is critical for driving cost leadership, supply assurance, and quality compliance while aligning with production plans, QA/EHS requirements, and financial targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Market Intelligence:

- Define and execute category strategy including supplier portfolio, sourcing mix (import vs. domestic), risk diversification, and cost roadmap.

- Maintain deep market intelligence on feedstock (methanol), carbonylation routes, capacity additions, maintenance shutdowns, trade flows, and price indices.

- Track downstream linkages (VAM, PTA/PET, esters, solvents) and sector demand to anticipate price/supply swings.

Cost & Supplier Management:

- Build should-cost/TCO models and conduct quarterly benchmarking against indices (methanol, freight, FX).

- Identify, qualify, and develop Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers; ensure multi-sourcing for continuity.

- Lead RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, structured bid evaluations, and award decisions.

- Negotiate long-term supply agreements (LTA/MSA) with clauses for indexation, volume commitments, SLAs, penalties, and force majeure.

- Execute SRM programs and corrective action plans; run supplier performance reviews.

Contracting & Risk Management:

- Structure contracts with Incoterms (FOB/CIF/CFR/DDP), escalation/de-escalation, rebates, gainshare, and credit terms.

- Implement FX exposure management (natural hedging, forward covers in coordination with Treasury).

- Design contingency plans for disruptions (port congestion, container shortages, regulatory bans, weather events).

Logistics & Inventory Optimization:

- Manage end-to-end inbound logistics: vessel scheduling, customs clearance, port-to-plant movement, ISO tanks/flexi bags/rail/barges/truck routing.

- Coordinate with tank farm operations for receiving, storage integrity, HSSE compliance, and ullage planning.

- Optimize safety stock, reorder points, and inventory turns; prevent stockouts/obsolescence.

- Resolve demurrage, detention, freight claims, and damages with carriers/forwarders.

Quality & Compliance:

- Ensure products meet specifications/purity; manage CoA, SDS/TDS, batch traceability, and change controls.

- Coordinate supplier/port/third-party lab testing and quality audits; drive CAPAs for deviations.

- Enforce compliance with GHS/CLP labeling, REACH/TSCA, Hazardous Chemicals Rules, and transport regulations for corrosives.

- Align with DGFT, BIS, customs, and state pollution control norms; maintain documentation for audits.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Partner with Production/Planning for demand plans, campaigns, and shutdown schedules.

- Align with QA/EHS for specifications, safety protocols, and incident reporting.

- Drive P2P process compliance and audit readiness; ensure end-to-end traceability of transactions and decisions.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry/Pharmacy or Business with strong chemical procurement background; MBA preferred.

- 12 - 15 years of experience in bulk chemicals procurement; direct, hands-on acetic acid category experience highly preferred.

- Proven track record in strategic sourcing, long-term contracts, bulk logistics, and supplier development.

- Strong knowledge of Incoterms, customs/imports, hazardous material transport, and port-to-plant operations.

- Working knowledge of REACH/TSCA/GHS, local regulatory frameworks, and EHS best practices.

- Advanced skills in cost modelling (should-cost/TCO), FX/freight analysis, and data-driven negotiations.

- Experience working with Finance/Treasury on budgeting, accruals, hedging, and working capital optimization.

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

- Market savvy: understands global acetic acid capacity, producers, trade lanes, and price drivers.

- Negotiation excellence: structured approach (BATNA/ZOPA), contracting finesse, risk-balanced outcomes.

- Logistics acumen: ISO tank operations, tank farm management, multi-modal routing, demurrage avoidance.

- Risk management: scenario planning, dual sourcing, hedging coordination, business continuity planning.

- Stakeholder influence: credible communicator with plant leadership, QA/EHS heads, finance, and legal.

- Integrity & compliance mindset: zero tolerance for shortcuts; strong documentation discipline.

What's on Offer:

- Opportunity to work with the only Indian company in Global Lighthouse Network under World Economic Forum in the chemical sector.

- Competitive salary and benefits package.

- Career growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry