National Supply Chain Day 2026: Steve Carlin on Strategic Procurement and Building the Future at Kuraray America
Supply chains quietly power the products we rely on every day. From raw materials sourced across the globe to finished goods arriving on schedule, procurement and logistics are the invisible thread that keeps the world moving.
As part of our #NationalSupplyChainDay celebrations, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is proud to spotlight Steve Carlin, Senior Procurement Manager at Kuraray America. Steve brings more than 30 years of experience across the chemical and oil and gas industries, including two decades of procurement leadership. His foundation as an electrical engineer adds a powerful technical and field-operations perspective, enriching how he approaches sourcing and strategy.
When he joined KAI in November 2025, he saw an exciting opportunity to help shape a procurement organization built to thrive for the next 100 years.
A Strategic Vision for the Next Century
Leaning into his decades of senior leadership experience across major oil and gas and chemical organizations, Steve is channeling his expertise into an exciting new chapter for procurement at KAI. Alongside his team, he is building a strategic, forward-looking approach that considers the full picture: market trends, supplier strengths, industry dynamics, and global opportunities.
“Strategic procurement isn’t only about the immediate need. It’s about taking the totality into account and positioning the organization for what’s next,” he says.
The result is a procurement organization positioned to anticipate opportunities and deliver even greater value to every site it supports.
Powering Partnerships Across the Organization
Steve and his team create value well beyond sourcing materials. They work hand in hand with site leadership to understand needs, uncover opportunities, align on strategic initiatives, and deliver insights that empower informed operational decisions. Their focus on safety, skill sets, and strong contractual foundations builds lasting confidence at every level of the organization.
Procurement ultimately connects with every part of KAI, from operations and manufacturing to finance and beyond, serving as a collaborative partner that helps the entire organization thrive.
Embracing Innovation and the Road Ahead
Steve sees technology, especially AI, as one of the most exciting opportunities ahead for procurement and logistics.
His team is developing a three-year strategic roadmap to harness new digital capabilities, from electronic sourcing and supplier management to data-driven strategic planning, all designed to sharpen decisions and unlock new levels of performance.
This National Supply Chain Day, we celebrate leaders like Steve whose experience, vision, and collaboration are helping KAI thrive today and build an even stronger foundation for Kuraray’s next century.