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Rafael Potrich

Head Of Commercial at QUIMISA S/A

Professional Background

Rafael Potrich is a seasoned procurement professional with over 11 years of extensive experience within the procurement sector. Over the past six years, he has excelled as a manager, responsible for overseeing both direct and indirect acquisitions. His expertise encompasses the procurement of raw materials for in-house product manufacturing as well as merchandise for resale. Rafael’s approach to procurement is highly strategic, focusing on the development of partnerships and the negotiation process.

His remarkable achievements include leading a significant strategic planning initiative aimed at restructuring the procurement department. This initiative aimed to transition the function from an operational and tactical focus to a more strategic sourcing approach that aligns with the company’s long-term business goals. Rafael has successfully managed distribution contracts with some of the largest global petrochemical companies, such as BASF, DOW, and LYONDELL, showcasing his ability to navigate complex negotiations and establish fruitful partnerships.

Rafael believes that effective team management is crucial in the procurement sector. He has demonstrated leadership capabilities by motivating his procurement team, employing personalized development plans, and managing the business unit in Asia. His proactive initiatives to implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) allow for the thorough evaluation of team performance, supplier effectiveness, process efficiency, stock movement, cash flow, and management of inactive products, ensuring the organization remains nimble and responsive to market conditions.

Rafael also achieved an impressive savings target of USD 1.3 million, completed ahead of the projected timeline, demonstrating his deep understanding of cost management and procurement efficiency. He played a vital role in the vendor qualification process and created technical specification procedures that guarantee quality indicators while effectively managing risk.

Moreover, Rafael was instrumental in the implementation of S&OP tools that fostered collaboration between departments including supply chain, sales, production (PCP), finance, and executive leadership, ensuring a coherent approach to meeting corporate objectives. His proficiency in tools like the Kraljic Matrix for supplier perception helps streamline procurement processes and manage purchases efficiently. One of his notable accomplishments includes overseeing the company’s inaugural bulk vessel importation process, where he managed negotiations, customs clearance, unloading operations aboard the vessel, and the storage logistics.

Additionally, Rafael is active in the petrochemical industry, participating in major global events and international travel for trade fairs, conferences, and new partner development audits alongside the quality assurance team. His commitment to professional development is reflected in his participation in these important industry events, helping to establish strategic alliances and stay informed about the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management.

Education and Achievements

Rafael’s extensive educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in procurement and supply chain management. He began his studies in International Business and Foreign Trade at the Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (Univali), where he acquired essential knowledge and skills in global commerce and trade operations. Complementing this undergraduate degree, he pursued an MBA in Business Management from the prestigious Fundação Getulio Vargas, which provided him with advanced insights into business strategy, management practices, and economic principles.

Furthering his education in the specialized field of procurement, Rafael obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Procurement Management at Inbrasc, where he honed his skills in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and risk management in procurement. This comprehensive academic background equips Rafael with the analytical skills required to navigate the complexities of global procurement and supply chain strategies effectively. To enhance his language skills, Rafael studied English at the Boston Academy Of English, increasing his proficiency in communication and negotiation with international partners.

Key Achievements

  • Over 11 years of experience in procurement, focusing on strategic sourcing and team management.
  • Developed key partnerships with leading global petrochemical companies, enhancing supply chain resilience and efficiency.
  • Successfully led the strategic restructuring of the procurement department, transitioning to a focus on long-term strategic initiatives.
  • Drove a cost-saving initiative that achieved USD 1.3 million in savings, completing the goal six months ahead of schedule.
  • Implemented KPIs that monitored performance across various facets of procurement, ensuring accountability and exceptional service delivery.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of S&OP tools to enhance cross-department collaboration in meeting business goals.
  • Managed the first bulk vessel importation process for the company, overseeing comprehensive logistics and negotiations.

Conclusion

Rafael Potrich’s dedication to his profession, combined with his diverse skill set and strategic vision, has positioned him as a leader in the procurement space within the petrochemical industry. Through his extensive experience, unwavering commitment to professional development, and focus on building strong partnerships, Rafael continues to drive innovation and excellence in supply chain management.

Related Questions

How did Rafael Potrich transition from operational procurement to a strategic sourcing approach in his career?
What specific strategies did Rafael implement to achieve the USD 1.3 million savings target in procurement?
How has Rafael’s educational background in International Business and Strategic Procurement influenced his management style?
What key partnerships did Rafael Potrich form with global petrochemical companies, and how did they impact his organization?
In what ways has Rafael integrated S&OP tools within his team to improve cross-departmental collaboration?
Rafael Potrich
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Location

Brusque, Santa Catarina, Brazil