Director of Procurement

Kurita America is part of the Kurita Group, one of the leading water solutions providers in the world. Established in 1949, the Kurita Group is comprised of an international network of approximately 8000 employees located in 18 countries.

Located in Minneapolis, MN, Kurita America brings innovations to market through a holistic water management approach, incorporating state-of-the art equipment, chemistries, engineering, and services to conserve natural resources for a better, more sustainable world.

Kurita's corporate philosophy is to study the properties of water, master them and create an environment in which nature and humanity are in harmony.

We have an immediate need for a Director of Procurement in our Brooklyn Park Office.

The Director of Procurement is responsible for leading the organization's procurement function at a senior level, shaping and executing global sourcing strategies across multiple categories, including industrial chemicals. This role oversees a team of procurement professionals, drives supplier innovation, and ensures the procurement strategy is aligned with business objectives, regulatory compliance, and sustainability goals. The Director will establish long-term partnerships and play a key role in risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.

Title: Director of Procurement

Location: Brooklyn Park, MN

Salary: $175,000 to $200,000

Hybrid Role

Leadership & Strategy: Set the vision and direction for the procurement department, develop multi-year sourcing strategies, and ensure alignment with corporate goals.
• Team Management: Mentor, train, and manage procurement staff; foster a culture of high performance and professional growth.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and industry stakeholders; negotiate high-value contracts and partnerships.
• Market Intelligence: Oversee market analysis activities to anticipate trends, risks, and opportunities; guide procurement decisions using data-driven insights.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure strict adherence to global regulations (e.g., REACH, OSHA), ethical sourcing practices, and company policies.
• Cost Leadership: Drive cost optimization, innovation, and value creation through advanced sourcing techniques and continuous process improvements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership, operations, R&D, finance, and other internal teams to deliver procurement solutions that support strategic priorities.
• Risk Management: Design and implement risk mitigation strategies to address supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, and compliance challenges.
• Third-Party Toll Blending Vendor Management: Oversee the identification, evaluation, and ongoing management of third-party toll blending vendors to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with regulatory and sustainability standards. Negotiate agreements, monitor performance metrics, and foster collaborative partnerships to support business objectives and mitigate supply chain risks.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field (Master's or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in global sourcing, supplier negotiation, and contract management, especially within industrial chemicals or related sectors.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Deep knowledge of relevant regulations and sustainability practices.
• Ability to travel internationally as required.

• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, APICS).
• Experience with international sourcing and global supply chains.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing.

The Director of Procurement will typically work in an office setting, with occasional visits to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, and industry events. The role may require travel, both domestic and international, depending on supplier and business needs.