About this role
About the Role KAES seeks a Strategic Procurement Lead to drive strategic sourcing and procurement planning across North American operations. Based in Wichita, KS, this role partners with site, project, and operations teams to shape procurement strategies early in the project lifecycle, especially to support capital projects. This is not a transactional buying role and focuses on creating value by aligning suppliers, timelines, and commercial decisions to optimize total cost of ownership and reduce construction and operation risk.
What You'll Do
- Partner with site and project teams early in the planning phase to define procurement strategies for operational and capital needs
- Lead sourcing strategy development, market engagement, bid approach, supplier selection, and negotiation strategy
- Proactively identify upcoming work and align suppliers, capacity, and timelines to support project success
- Serve as a strategic advisor to stakeholders, providing recommendations that balance cost, risk, and schedule
- Negotiate pricing and commercial terms, leveraging market conditions and project timelines to create value
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal partners to drive performance and continuous improvement
- Challenge existing approaches and leverage tools to improve procurement effectiveness and efficiency
- Support procurement capability across sites through reporting, process discipline, and coaching procurement-facing teammates
- Travel approximately 25% to production facilities across the U.S. and Canada
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related field OR equivalent experience
- Experience leading or influencing procurement strategy, sourcing initiatives, or operational improvement efforts
- Experience with supplier negotiations, contract execution, and commercial decision-making
- Experience analyzing data and solving problems to drive decision-making
- Experience collaborating across functions and influencing stakeholders in a dynamic environment
Nice to Have
- Experience supporting capital, maintenance, or industrial project procurement
- Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies beyond transactional purchasing
- Experience building strategic supplier partnerships and managing performance
- Experience working in manufacturing, industrial, or plant-based environments
- Advanced data analysis skills and experience leveraging insights to drive business results
Compensation & Benefits
- Our Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Eligibility varies by region. Additional details provided by your recruiter.
- This position is located in Wichita, KS with approximately 25% travel to U.S. and Canadian facilities. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.