Sourcing Specialist

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Global Sourcing US11 Full Time Houston Office, Houston, TX, US

Position Summary

Sterling Specialty Chemicals is seeking an experienced, results-driven Global Sourcing Specialist – Raw Materials to develop and execute international sourcing strategies supporting our specialty chemical manufacturing operations. This position will focus on identifying and qualifying global chemical manufacturers, managing competitive bidding processes, negotiating international supply agreements, and optimizing total landed costs while maintaining product quality and supply reliability. The successful candidate must have strong experience in international chemical sourcing, supplier negotiations, competitive bidding, global logistics, import regulations, and tariff analysis.

This individual will be responsible for identifying competitive international supply opportunities, evaluating suppliers across multiple regions, and translating global market advantages into measurable cost savings.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop international suppliers of specialty chemical raw materials, including polymers, monomers, surfactants, solvents, additives, and chemical intermediates.
• Expand Sterling's supplier network across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and other competitive international markets.
• Establish direct relationships with global chemical manufacturers to reduce reliance on distributors and intermediaries.
• Develop strategic sourcing initiatives that improve cost competitiveness, supply diversification, and long-term material availability.
• Identify alternative suppliers and manufacturing sources to mitigate supply disruptions and single-source dependencies.
• Monitor global chemical production capacity, market conditions, and regional supply-demand trends.

Competitive Bidding & Commercial Negotiations

• Develop, manage, and execute formal competitive bidding processes, including Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and international supplier tenders.
• Prepare detailed bid packages incorporating technical specifications, annual volume requirements, delivery schedules, logistics requirements, and commercial terms.
• Identify and solicit competitive proposals from qualified international manufacturers and distributors.
• Develop comprehensive bid comparison models evaluating pricing, freight, tariffs, duties, lead times, payment terms, supplier capabilities, and total landed costs.
• Analyze supplier proposals and prepare sourcing recommendations based on total cost, commercial competitiveness, quality, and supply reliability.
• Lead negotiations covering pricing structures, volume commitments, payment terms, Incoterms, freight arrangements, and supply agreements.
• Conduct competitive rebidding and supplier benchmarking to challenge existing pricing and identify additional savings opportunities.
• Negotiate fixed, index-based, and formula-driven chemical pricing structures when appropriate.
• Track and document negotiated savings, cost avoidance, and commercial improvements resulting from sourcing initiatives.

International Logistics & Import Management

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of international transportation and import logistics for chemical raw materials.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and internal Logistics teams to ensure efficient movement of materials from international suppliers to U.S. manufacturing facilities.
• Evaluate ocean freight, containerized shipments, ISO tanks, bulk shipments, port handling, customs clearance, warehousing, and inland transportation.
• Understand and negotiate international shipping terms, including FOB, CIF, CFR, FCA, EXW, and DDP.
• Analyze logistics alternatives to determine the most cost-effective shipping routes, ports of entry, shipment sizes, and transportation methods.
• Evaluate container utilization, shipment consolidation, transit times, demurrage, detention, and other international logistics expenses.
• Coordinate international supplier production schedules, shipping commitments, and delivery timelines to support manufacturing requirements.
• Identify logistics-related cost reduction opportunities while maintaining supply continuity.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Planning teams to manage international lead times, inventory requirements, and delivery risks.
• Evaluate…