Supply Chain Manager

Job Description – Supply Chain Manager

Job Title: Supply Chain Manager

Location: Qatar

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: General Manager / Operations Director

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Supply Chain Manager to oversee end-to-end supply chain operations for a lubricant manufacturing facility in Qatar. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, inventory management, logistics coordination, and supplier relationship management within the lubricant, petrochemical, or specialty chemical manufacturing industry.

The role requires strong technical knowledge of lubricant base oils, additive technologies, packaging materials, and plant procurement to ensure uninterrupted production, optimized inventory, cost-effective sourcing, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with production requirements, business objectives, and budget targets.
• Manage the complete procurement cycle including sourcing, supplier evaluation, quotation analysis, purchase orders, contract negotiations, and vendor performance management.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and procurement process improvements.
• Monitor procurement KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Base Oil Procurement

Manage procurement and supply planning for lubricant base oils, including:

• Group I Base Oils
• Group II Base Oils
• Group III Base Oils
• Group IV (PAO)
• Group V (Esters, Naphthenic Oils & Specialty Fluids)

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensure uninterrupted supply of base oils for production.
• Monitor global market trends, pricing, and availability.
• Evaluate supplier quality, reliability, and logistics capabilities.
• Maintain optimum inventory levels while minimizing carrying costs.
• Coordinate imports and storage planning for bulk base oils.

Lubricant Additives Procurement

Manage sourcing and procurement of lubricant additives including:

• Detergents
• Dispersants
• Antioxidants
• Anti-Wear Additives
• Viscosity Index Improvers
• Pour Point Depressants
• Friction Modifiers
• Corrosion Inhibitors
• Specialty Performance Additives

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with Technical, R&D, and Production teams to ensure compliance with formulation requirements.
• Build strategic relationships with leading additive manufacturers such as Lubrizol, Infineum, Afton Chemical, Chevron Oronite, and other approved suppliers.
• Ensure material quality, availability, and timely delivery.

Supply Chain Planning & Inventory Management

• Develop demand forecasts based on sales forecasts and production schedules.
• Plan procurement activities to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, additives, packaging materials, and consumables.
• Implement inventory optimization strategies to reduce excess stock and stockouts.
• Collaborate with warehouse teams to improve inventory accuracy and storage efficiency.

Logistics & Import Operations

• Coordinate international and local logistics activities.
• Manage shipping schedules, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and import documentation.
• Ensure timely delivery of imported materials.
• Monitor transportation costs and optimize logistics performance.
• Resolve shipment delays and supply chain disruptions.

Plant Procurement

Manage procurement of:

• Packaging materials (drums, pails, bottles, caps, labels, cartons)
• Production machinery and equipment
• Maintenance spare parts
• Laboratory equipment and consumables
• Safety equipment and PPE
• Utilities and service contracts
• Office supplies and operational consumables

Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop reliable local and international suppliers.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance reviews.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, contracts, and service agreements.
• Resolve supplier quality, delivery, and commercial issues.
• Maintain long-term strategic supplier partnerships.

Cost Control & Budget Management

• Develop and manage procurement budgets.
• Analyze procurement spending and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Conduct market benchmarking and price analysis.
• Improve procurement efficiency without compromising quality or supply continuity.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, ISO standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain procurement documentation, supplier agreements, purchase orders, contracts, and audit records.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and customs requirements.

Reporting & Performance Management

Prepare regular management reports covering:

• Procurement spend analysis
• Inventory status
• Supplier performance
• Cost savings initiatives
• Material consumption trends
• Market intelligence
• Base oil and additive price movements
• Supply chain performance KPIs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, APICS (CSCP/CPIM) are highly desirable.
• Minimum 7–12 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing within lubricant manufacturing, petrochemical, or specialty chemical industries.
• Strong technical knowledge of lubricant base oils, additive technologies, and lubricant blending operations.
• Experience managing plant-wide procurement and inventory planning.
• Sound knowledge of international procurement, shipping documentation, customs clearance, and import/export procedures.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and procurement analytics experience.

Required Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing
• Procurement Management
• Supply Chain Planning
• Inventory Optimization
• Demand Forecasting
• Vendor Development & Relationship Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Cost Control & Budget Management
• Technical Knowledge of Lubricant Base Oils & Additives
• Logistics & Import/Export Management
• ERP Systems (SAP)
• Risk Management
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Leadership & Team Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Excellent Communication & Negotiation Skills
• Fluent in English; Arabic language proficiency is highly preferred.

Experience

• 7–12 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, or sourcing within lubricant blending plants, petrochemical manufacturing, oil & gas, or specialty chemical industries.
• Proven experience managing procurement of base oils, lubricant additives, packaging materials, and plant operational requirements.
• Demonstrated success in supplier management, strategic sourcing, inventory optimization, and logistics coordination within a manufacturing environment.