Strategic Sourcing Specialist Sr.

About Company:

WHY JOIN NEWPARK FLUIDS SYSTEMS?

One of our Core Values is Excellence. It means we are committed to delivering value through performance, innovation, and service quality, and that commitment starts with YOU! Newpark is where you can challenge yourself in new and exciting ways and work in an environment that supports and values you. At Newpark, we are committed to finding, developing, retaining, and rewarding the best talent while providing an environment where our employees can grow professionally and personally.

WHO WE ARE

Newpark Fluids Systems is a leading provider of innovative drilling fluids solutions, with a global presence in large-scale, long-term markets, and with the most talented people in the industry. Headquartered in Katy, Texas, we serve markets worldwide, with an established presence, demonstrating our commitment to being a strong and reliable partner for our customers, wherever they need us to be.

WHAT WE DO

Our drive is to help customers with a wide range of fluids solutions and expertise to meet their most demanding reservoir needs. This drive is the catalyst for innovation and ongoing development of next-generation products and services to help customers stay ahead of the curve.

WHAT WE VALUE

We maintain an unwavering commitment to act following our Core Values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Accountability, ensuring our customers receive the best products and services we can offer and that our employees experience a safe workplace where they can thrive:

Safety - Protecting each other like family while sustaining the environment in which we work.

Integrity - Acting honestly, ethically, and responsibly in all aspects of our business.

Respect - Dealing fairly and openly with employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.

Excellence - Delivering value through performance, innovation, and service quality.

Accountability - Using good judgment and taking responsibility for our actions.

ABOUT THE JOB:

Under minimal supervision, this role is responsible for maximizing gross margin while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations for direct spend on chemical products and inbound transportation; may be required to assist with indirect spend eventually; will be expected to develop, lead and support sourcing plans and initiatives, including RFQs, RFIs, tenders, and spot quotations, and ensures accurate integration into the ERP system; will be required to requires analyze product portfolios to identify, evaluate, and qualify alternative sources of supply to enhance cost competitiveness and mitigate supply chain risks; will be expected to provide recommendations to new materials and supply strategies to improve quality and reduce costs and will be expected to support the development, to create templates and standards to be followed across the organization. Handles special projects, as assigned and execution of pricing strategies and supplier negotiations to sustain and improve margins.

Overall responsibilities will also include optimizing the supplier portfolio, onboarding value-added vendors as per Company’s policies, enforce adherence to Company’s policies and procedures, supporting value engineering initiatives in collaboration with technology centers and to incorporate ESG principles to reduce risk and strengthen supply chain performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Identify, qualify, and source suppliers while building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with both new and existing vendors.
• Understand fundaments of international trade and regulatory requirements for chemicals for USA, desirable to understand practices and regulatory aspects of other international markets as well.
• Ability to merge Strategic Sourcing and Category Management disciplines, to create an agile framework for the designated pool of chemicals.
• Lead and execute sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, RFIs, tenders, and spot quotations.
• Obtain, evaluate, and compare supplier quotes; develop detailed cost breakdowns and support data-driven supplier selection decisions.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, volume commitments, and delivery schedules to maximize value and margin performance.
• Partner with legal to ensure all procurement contracts accurately reflect negotiated terms and protect company interests.
• Partner with the lab to ensure proper onboarding of material and suppliers, and adherence to the PQA process
• Analyze product portfolios to identify alternative sources of supply, improve cost competitiveness, and reduce supply chain risk.
• Support development and execution of strategic sourcing plans, including supplier rationalization and onboarding of value-added vendors.
• Implement and support inventory optimization strategies aligned with SIOP and operational requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (procurement, operations, logistics, finance, and technology) to improve processes, resolve gaps, and enhance communication.
• Work closely with suppliers, carriers, warehouses, and distribution teams to ensure high service levels and reliable supply.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Support pricing strategies and value engineering efforts in coordination with commercial and technology teams.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and contract data within ERP systems (Oracle preferred).
• Develop, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sourcing, cost savings, supplier performance, and service levels.
• Apply best practices in vendor management, including performance reviews, risk mitigation, and ESG considerations.
• Utilize data analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, etc.) to support reporting, insights, and decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of standardized sourcing processes, templates, and governance across the organization.
• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.

As a position that carriers significant potential, the candidate needs to be forward looking, able to operate with a high level of autonomy, and comfortable dealing with all levels of the organization internally and externally on a global basis.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Chemical Engineering, Engineering or Supply Chain or educational equivalent. 5 years’ experience in Sourcing of drilling fluids’ chemicals or related fields.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Proficiency in MS office.
• Excellent communication, organization skills and high attention to detail.
• Understanding of company products and commodities.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of Company cash flow cycle as it relates to product.
• Proficient in Company policies, procedures, and system tools.
• Understanding of market research and data analysis
• Knowledge of business operations and procedures
• Demonstrable strategic thinking abilities
• Analytical mind with problem-solving aptitude
• Organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills

WORK ENVIROMENT:

To be mainly executed in the office, with eventual requirement to visit operational sites.