Category Procurement Specialist
Trinseo • Midland, Michigan • Full Time
Posted on Tue, Jun 30, 2026
Overview
Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company – at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.
A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers – ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.
As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day.
Overview (Scope of Role)
The Category Procurement Specialist is responsible for the direct materials of Binders production in the U.S. He/She will drive the negotiations, contracting, and strategy necessary to secure reliable supply of high quality raw materials at the best possible economics within the U.S. region. The same individual will manage the relations with a set of vendors and developing vendors across a number of categories.
Responsibilities
- Strong cross functional collaboration with Supply Chain, R&D and Quality regarding strategic sourcing activities of new and existing raw materials throughout the year.
- Conduct negotiations with raw material suppliers as well as internal stakeholders to reduce costs, mitigate inflation and improve cashflow on over 50 different raw materials with a spend around $5 million USD/year.
- Reduce risks associated with incoming raw materials using various tools to proactively mitigate and overcome supply challenges.
- Reduce risks associated with incoming raw materials using various tools to proactively mitigate and overcome supply challenges.
- Close interaction with Finance each month to ensure proper cost forecasting throughout the year.
- Lead quarterly meetings with manufacturing to review raw material supply performance. Designing and implementing improvements as needed.
- Assist Procurement Category Managers in monitoring and maintaining supplier performance through performance scorecards as well as gather documentation required for automotive compliance.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, finance, or other applicable areas of study with strong analytical skills.
- Prior procurement experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data, excel skills, internal and external relationship management, interest in the petrochemicals industry, team player.
- Strong communication and teamworking skills are important
Equity and Inclusion
With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences, and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity. We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.