The Procurement Manager ensures the timely, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing of all materials, equipment, and services required for production and facility operations – with special attention to the safety, quality, and reliability standards of a defense-related chemical manufacturing environment.

This role is responsible for building and managing supplier relationships, ensuring full transparency and compliance with company, export control, and environmental regulations.
The Procurement Manager plays a central role in connecting production, planning, and finance – ensuring that procurement supports both operational continuity and strategic growth.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement

Develop and implement the company’s procurement strategy aligned with production and project timelines.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for raw materials, components, and technical services (local and international).
Maintain approved supplier lists and qualification documentation in line with defense-industry and ISO standards.
Conduct regular supplier performance reviews (price, delivery, quality, reliability).

Operational Procurement

Manage end-to-end purchasing process — from RFQs and price negotiations to PO issuance, delivery, and invoice approval.
Ensure on-time material availability for production and maintenance activities.
Work closely with Production Planning & Scheduling to align purchase lead times with production cycles.
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment with the Warehouse & Inventory Manager.

Compliance & Documentation

Ensure all procurement activities comply with export control, safety, and environmental regulations (REACH, dual-use materials, etc.).
Maintain complete traceability of all purchase documentation (POs, supplier certifications, safety data sheets).
Support audits and certification processes (ISO 9001 / AQAP).
Implement internal controls to prevent conflicts of interest or unethical procurement practices.

Cost Control & Optimization

Negotiate best commercial terms while ensuring supplier reliability and compliance.
Analyze spend and identify cost-reduction opportunities without compromising safety or quality.
Support budgeting and cost forecasting in cooperation with Finance.
Manage CAPEX and OPEX procurement pipelines.

Supplier & Contract Management

Draft, review, and manage supplier contracts and service agreements.
Define KPIs and service level agreements (SLAs) with strategic suppliers.
Monitor contract performance, renewal dates, and escalation clauses.
Maintain active communication with key suppliers regarding forecasts, changes, and delivery priorities.

Cross-functional Coordination

Collaborate with Chemical and Process Engineering teams to ensure materials and equipment meet technical specifications.
Work with Facility and Maintenance to secure spare parts and consumables.
Align procurement schedules during facility expansion phases.
Support HSE in verifying supplier compliance with safety standards.

Functional Scope

Procurement of raw materials, technical gases, and chemical reagents.
Procurement of production and laboratory equipment.
Procurement of maintenance, utilities, and facility services.
CAPEX project purchasing (equipment, tools, construction materials).
Supplier qualification, contract management, and documentation.
Budgeting and cost tracking for purchasing activities.

Decision-Making Authority

Approve purchases within defined financial limits.
Select and negotiate with suppliers in line with corporate policy.
Propose supplier additions/removals from approved lists.
Escalate major contract or compliance deviations to Supply Chain Manager / COO.
Authorize supplier audits and corrective actions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

On-time delivery rate (OTD) of materials and services.
Procurement cost savings vs. baseline.
Supplier quality & reliability index (rejections, delays).
Inventory turnover rate (alignment with production).
Contract compliance rate (valid, signed, up-to-date agreements).
Audit readiness & documentation accuracy.
Zero supply interruptions impacting production.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
Experience: 7+ years in industrial or manufacturing procurement, ideally in chemical, defense, or aerospace sectors.
Strong experience with technical materials and equipment sourcing.
Proven record of supplier management and contract negotiation.
Understanding of export control, REACH, and ISO 9001/AQAP compliance.
Proficiency with ERP/MES procurement modules (SAP preferred).
Fluent in English; Danish or German is an advantage.

Professional Skills

Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Strong understanding of industrial supply markets and pricing dynamics.
Analytical and structured approach to decision-making.
Contract drafting and risk management competence.
Process-oriented with attention to documentation and compliance.
Proactive coordination between departments and suppliers.

Soft Skills

High sense of integrity and ethical standards.
Solution-oriented, pragmatic, and calm under pressure.
Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication.
Organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities.
Confident communicator with both engineers and executives.