Strategic Sourcing - Associate

Ascent Industries Co•Schaumburg, IL

7d•$130,000 - $135,000

About The Position

Ascent Industries Co. is a specialty chemicals platform delivering differentiated, performance-driven chemical solutions to a diverse set of end markets. The Company develops, manufactures, and supplies tailored formulations and intermediates that enhance product performance and optimize industrial processes. The Company's core product portfolio includes surfactants, defoamers, lubricating agents, flame retardants, and specialty intermediates, offered in both petroleum-based and bio-based formulations. Ascent's products are used as critical ingredients and process aids in applications such as cleaning formulations, coating systems, oilfield production chemicals, agrochemical formulations, metalworking fluids, water treatment solutions, and industrial textiles. The Strategic Sourcing Associate applies in-depth Supply Chain & Distribution knowledge within their own area and demonstrates a general understanding of related functions to lead team operations. The role resolves operational and organizational challenges that impact department performance. Work directly influences departmental outcomes and short-term objectives. The position manages team performance, workflow, and development while participating in staffing decisions. The role leads team and, at times, supervisor activities, adjusting priorities to meet changing departmental needs.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience required.
Requires a Bachelor's Degree.
Ability to coordinate and oversee team activities with autonomy, applying in-depth knowledge of procedures, concepts, and related functions to ensure effective execution of departmental operations.
Ability to resolve day-to-day operational, technical, and organizational issues using judgment; leads team problem-solving efforts and escalates complex or cross-functional matters as appropriate.
Ability to implement and adapt standardized procedures and practices; manages workflow, adjusts priorities, and ensures alignment with departmental objectives and timelines.
Ability to communicate information clearly and effectively across audiences, setting expectations, conveying team priorities, and adapting messaging to stakeholders.
Ability to manage team performance, including setting goals, coaching and developing staff, providing feedback, and participating in staffing and workforce decisions.
Ability to lead team operations, including coordinating activities of supervisors and/or individual contributors, fostering effective team dynamics, and adjusting plans to meet evolving business needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in specialty chemicals, manufacturing, or related industry may be required depending on the role.

Responsibilities

Coordinates day-to-day sourcing activities across assigned categories, suppliers, and purchasing workstreams to ensure material availability, service continuity, and timely execution of procurement priorities.
Oversees supplier negotiations, bid activities, and contract administration tasks by monitoring adherence to established sourcing processes, commercial expectations, and approval requirements.
Reviews supplier performance, scorecards, and key performance indicators to identify risks, service gaps, and improvement opportunities related to quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
Improves sourcing processes and procurement workflows by standardizing methods, strengthening documentation, and increasing effective use of ERP systems and related tools.
Develops team capability through coaching, training, and performance feedback focused on sourcing practices, supplier management, negotiation support, and process discipline.
Monitors market intelligence, commodity trends, and benchmarking data to identify pricing changes, supply risks, and routine opportunities to improve sourcing effectiveness.
Supports evaluation of new suppliers, sourcing methods, and procurement alternatives by coordinating reviews, gathering data, and helping assess fit with operational and commercial requirements.
Partners with internal stakeholders to clarify material, quality, service, and delivery requirements and ensure sourcing activities align with business needs and functional standards.
Tracks project timelines, sourcing milestones, and departmental objectives to help ensure procurement activities are completed within expected schedules and budget parameters.
Escalates significant supplier issues, commercial risks, and resource constraints to management with recommendations that support timely resolution and continuous improvement.
Performs other duties as assigned.