Responsable Achats- Chemical Industry

Antal International is a global executive search organization with over 140 offices in more than 30 countries, placing professionals in more than 75 countries worldwide.

From our offices in Paris and Aix-en-Provence, we specialize exclusively in recruiting for the chemical, specialty ingredients, Life sciences and advanced materials sectors. As part of the global Antal International network, we combine strong local presence with international reach.

We are supporting our client on this recruitment:

📄 Contract: CDI – Full Time – Cadre

💰 Salary: competitive package

Company Introduction:

Our client is a well-established middle size (500 employees) industrial group specializing in specialty chemicals and high-value performance additives serving a wide range of industries including coatings, inks, textiles, composites, electronics, paper, agrochemicals and industrial applications.

With a strong international footprint across multiple continents and a significant share of revenue generated outside France, the company combines industrial expertise, innovation capability and long-term investment strategy. The group is recognized for its commitment to sustainable technologies, operational excellence and continuous innovation, supported by substantial investments in R&D and international industrial expansion projects.

Operating in a multicultural and fast-evolving environment, the company offers a strategic and visible role within an agile organization where procurement plays a key role in business competitiveness and industrial performance.

Position Overview:

Responsable Achats role will define and deploy the procurement strategy with a strong focus on cost competitiveness, supply security and continuous improvement.

This strategic position covers multiple procurement categories across the Group, including:

• Raw Materials & Specialty Chemicals (mainly)
• CAPEX and Industrial Equipment
• Energy
• Packaging & Transport

Given the technical nature of the activities, the company is specifically seeking candidates with a strong educational background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline in order to understand raw material challenges, manufacturing processes and technical constraints associated with specialty chemicals production.

The successful candidate will work closely with R&D, Operations and Business Units to challenge specifications, support operational excellence and contribute to business growth initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager.

Main Responsibilities:

• Define and implement the Procurement Strategy aligned with company objectives
• Drive procurement performance through cost optimization, supplier management and risk mitigation initiatives
• Lead strategic negotiations and manage key supplier relationships
• Harmonize procurement practices and ensure compliance with Group procedures across international entities
• Contribute to the deployment and continuous improvement of SAP MM and procurement processes
• Support CAPEX and industrial equipment projects
• Manage and optimize Energy, Packaging & Transport contracts
• Maintain and enhance procurement processes in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements
• Manage and develop the procurement team while supporting complex purchasing projects

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree or Engineering degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, ideally complemented by Procurement or Supply Chain Management training
• Minimum 5–10 years of successful experience in industrial procurement, ideally within the chemical or specialty chemicals industry
• Proven experience managing international procurement activities and multiple purchasing categories
• Strong understanding of raw materials, industrial manufacturing environments and technical purchasing
• Knowledge of SAP MM or equivalent ERP systems
• Strong negotiation, analytical and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work effectively within multicultural and international environments
• Fluent English is mandatory