Director of Raw Materials
Cornerstone Executive Search - Pittsburgh, PA
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The OrganizationPittsburgh Paints Company (PPC), formerly part of PPG Industries, is a leading North American manufacturer of residential and commercial architectural coatings. Following its separation from PPG, PPC now operates as an independent, private equity-backed company focused on driving growth across its core paints, coatings, and adhesives businesses.The company owns a strong portfolio of brands including GLIDDEN, OLYMPIC, LIQUID NAILS, PITTSBURGH PAINTS & STAINS, DULUX (Canada), and SICO, serving both professional contractors and DIY consumers. PPC manufactures and distributes paints, stains, adhesives, sealants, and repair products, supported by a network of manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada.With 15,000+ distribution points across company stores, dealers, and major retailers, and approximately 6,000 employees, PPC operates at scale with a cross-functional procurement and operations model supporting significant materials and packaging spend.Culturally, PPC emphasizes a collaborative and performance-driven environment, with a focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence. The organization prioritizes employee development and fosters an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives.The OpportunityThis is a high-impact leadership role with direct influence on PPC's cost structure, supply continuity, and innovation pipeline.The Director will play a critical role in shaping procurement strategy, strengthening supplier networks, and aligning closely with R&D and operations to support both business performance and long-term growth.This position offers the opportunity to build organizational capability, drive strategic sourcing excellence, and contribute meaningfully to PPC's innovation and sustainability agenda.The PositionThe Director of Raw Materials is responsible for leading PPC's procurement strategy, processes, people, and performance across all raw material and packaging categories. This role oversees more than $600MM in annual spend and ensures the organization secures competitive cost, service, innovation, and supply continuity.Reporting to the Vice President of Procurement and serving on the Procurement Leadership Team, this leader drives category strategy, supplier management, financial performance, and cross-functional alignment across Technology, Operations, Quality, COE, and Finance.The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a strategic and analytical procurement leader with deep expertise in chemical or manufacturing environments. They bring a strong balance of commercial acumen, technical understanding, and leadership capability.This leader thrives in complex, dynamic markets"”anticipating material trends, navigating supply risks, and building strong supplier partnerships. They are equally comfortable leading teams, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, and driving measurable financial outcomes.They combine data-driven decision-making with strong communication skills and a proactive, forward-looking mindset.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Category LeadershipDevelop and execute long-term category strategies balancing cost, service, risk, and innovationBuild deep market intelligence across feedstocks, supply-demand dynamics, andgeopolitical factorsLead complex supplier negotiations leveraging cost modeling and market benchmarksAnticipate raw material trends and align with Technology on cost drivers and material indicesInnovation & Technology AlignmentPartner with R&D to identify and commercialize new materials and technologiesSupport innovation and sustainability initiatives through supplier scouting and developmentDrive dual-approval strategies to reduce supply risk and increase leverageSupplier Management & CollaborationDevelop and manage strategic supplier relationshipsLead alternative supplier and product qualification programsEnsure supplier performance meets quality, reliability, compliance, and sustainability standardsFinancial Performance & AnalyticsOwn budget-to-forecast processes for raw materialsMaintain savings pipelines and track validated financial resultsUtilize cost models and pricing tools to inform sourcing decisions and forecastsPeople Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop a team of category managersBuild capability in sourcing, cost modeling, and market intelligenceFoster a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvementGovernance & Process ExcellenceEnsure compliance with procurement policies and controlsDrive process efficiency and digital enablementMaintain strong cross-functional alignment across the organizationQualificationsRequired Experience10+ years of progressive procurement experienceExperience in chemicals, coatings, or related manufacturing industriesBachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Chemistry, Business, or related fieldProven leadership experience managing and developing teamsStrong analytical capabilities (cost modeling, forecasting, financial analysis)Demonstrated success in cost savings and complex negotiationsPreferred ExperienceMBA or relevant advanced degreeDeep understanding of chemical markets and feedstock dynamicsExperience working in formulation-driven environmentsKey Success MetricsCost savings and procurement value deliverySupply continuity and risk mitigationSupplier performance and strategic partnershipsForecast accuracy and financial alignmentProgress on dual sourcing and innovation initiativesAdditional ExpectationsStrong cross-functional collaboration with Technology, Operations, and FinanceAbility to navigate market volatility and supply chain complexityLeadership presence within the procurement organization and across the businessCommitment to continuous improvement and process excellenceAbout Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaLocated in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania metro, PPC's headquarters in Cranberry Township places it within one of the region's primary business and residential corridors, known for its accessibility, strong infrastructure, and high quality of life. The broader Pittsburgh area combines a rich industrial heritage with a rapidly growing innovation economy, offering a mix of urban amenities, affordable living, and access to outdoor recreation. With leading institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, the region continues to attract talent across technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors.Learn more about the area:
Created: 2026-05-10