Strategic Sourcing Manager, Energy

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit  www.eastman.com .

Role Profile

As one of North America’s largest industrial consumers of natural gas, Eastman is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager for Natural Gas & Industrial Gases to join our Global Procurement Organization. This critical role involves acquiring, managing price risk exposure, and ensuring a reliable supply of natural gas to Eastman’s manufacturing facilities in North America. The Strategic Sourcing Manager will also provide analytical support to the Executive Team and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Natural Gas and Industrial Gases Acquisition, Management & Administration

• Negotiate short-term and long-term contracts for natural gas and industrial gases in compliance with Eastman’s policies.
• Acquire physical natural gas and industrial gases; manage existing pipeline capacity agreements to support manufacturing facilities.
• Continuously monitor cost, usage, and tariffs to ensure a low-cost and reliable supply of natural gas.
• Develop long-range strategic plans for future sourcing, transportation, and storage agreements.
• Support finance organization in the development of hedge strategies to decrease the impact of natural gas price volatility
• Develop modeling to forecast natural gas indices based on changing market fundamentals.
• Support corporate decarbonization efforts and strategy.
• Support advocacy efforts through industry associations.

Energy Contract Administration

• Review and negotiate master agreements for natural gas, industrial gases, transportation, and storage as necessary.
• Review invoices for payment approval related to natural gas, industrial gases, transportation services, and storage.

Analysis & Reporting

• Keep Eastman’s management team informed about current and projected natural gas energy market developments.
• Participate in regular meetings with senior management, reporting on energy market intelligence
• Provide updates on market prices, supply/demand fundamentals, and technological advancements related to natural gas and industrial gases.
• Assist in preparing presentations for internal stakeholders, senior management, specific to the procurement of natural gas and industrial gases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration/engineering/supply chain or a related field; MBA highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of operational/commercial experience in the energy industry specifically within procurement/category management related roles involving both natural gas and industrial gases is preferred but not required.
• Understanding of Southeast/Mid-Atlantic natural gas indices and interstate pipelines is preferable.
• Strong planning/analytical skills including proficiency in spreadsheet analysis tools like Excel are essential.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills with ability to influence/negotiate effectively at all levels internally/externally.
• Ability to manage internal/external client relationships effectively.
• Capable of meeting deadlines working under pressure while maintaining high attention-to-detail.
• Willingness/ability to travel domestically/internationally up 10%-time typical trips last 2 – 3 days as well as work non-traditional workdays if required.
• Knowledge or interest in clean energy sectors Is a must.
• Prior experience with regulated/deregulated electricity markets is preferable but not a requirement.
• Prior experience with state/federal energy advocacy groups is preferable but not a requirement.

If you’re ready to take on this challenging yet rewarding role and contribute to our organization’s success, we welcome your application!

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.