Category Manager

- Own and lead assigned chemical categories end-to-end; serving as the strategic subject matter expert by continuously monitoring market drivers, industry trends, supply dynamics, and competitive forces.

- Develop and maintain robust Cost Models and Forecasting frameworks that provide visibility into market movements to increase price transparency and enable data-driven strategic decision-making.

- Analyze spend, demand, and market intelligence to identify opportunities for cost optimization, portfolio rationalization, supplier diversification, and long-term value creation

- Develop and execute forward-looking category strategies that balance cost, supply resilience, innovation, and risk mitigation while addressing evolving complexities and challenges within the industry, mitigating risk.

- Provide both immediate and long-term strategic recommendations directly to senior leadership, including supplier portfolio strategy, volume allocation, new supplier introduction, and make-versus-buy considerations

- Engage and influence multiple internal and external stakeholders, aligning cross-functional priorities and ensuring procurement strategies support broader business objectives.

- Partner closely with commercial, operations, supply chain, and technical teams to develop balanced, scalable solutions that meet cost, service, and growth objectives.

- Identify insourcing opportunities and lead comprehensive make-versus-buy analyses that evaluate total cost of ownership, risk, and long-term capability development.

- Build and manage a preferred supplier network, including: identify, develop, qualify, onboard, transact and collaborate with a high number of suppliers across multiple categories.

- Lead complex commercial negotiations and establish long-term partnerships that enhance competitiveness, innovation, and supply security.

- Oversee contract strategy and execution, ensuring alignment on pricing structures, payment terms, volume commitments, performance metrics, and risk management.

- Ensure all procurement strategies and supplier engagements align with Environmental, Health & Safety standards and Responsible Care commitments.

- Lead category RFP processes and develop optimized award scenarios that balance total cost of ownership, supply continuity, and strategic supplier positioning.

- Evaluate supplier proposals holistically, considering not only pricing but also capability, reliability, innovation, and long-term strategic fit.

- Collaborate with global procurement teams to align category strategies, leverage global scale, and ensure consistency in supplier engagement and sourcing approaches.

- Independently lead complex initiatives and strategic projects, driving execution while maintaining a long-term perspective on category evolution.

- Build strong, trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders and key supplier partners.

- Communicate strategy, progress, risks, and recommendations clearly and effectively to cross-functional teams and executive leadership.

Qualifications:

- 7+ years of sourcing experience, or equivalent technical experience (Product Management, R&D, Process Technology, Production experience preferred).

- BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or equivalent degree required;  MBA, MS, MSE preferred.

- Must be able learn quickly and work in fast paced high-pressure environment where change is constant and needs to be managed with internal and external stakeholders, customers and suppliers.

- The ability to multi-task with proven follow-through and adherence to changing priorities and deadlines is required.

- Knowledge of the North American chemicals market strongly preferred

- High level of proficiency in written and spoken English; Additional Language proficiency would be beneficial.

- Strong written and oral communication skills, both Professional and Technical.

- Professional communication skills – should be able to communicate with peers, leadership, customers and vendors both via verbal and written communication.

- Technical communication skills – ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, findings & recommendations to all stakeholders.

- Ability to influence others to adopt new ways of thinking, change habits, increase engagement, and improve processes.

- Strong decision making and problem solving capability, to drive for results, action oriented.

- Excellent organization capabilities and project management skills.

- Professional and effective facilitation skills – should be able to facilitate group discussions.

- Collaborative team player - should be able to establish solid working relationships with stakeholders.

- Ability to work effectively in a geographically distributed organization.

- Knowledge of contract and pricing terms and conditions.

- Working knowledge of SAP preferred.

- Data analysis skills - Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Power Point and their higher-level functions such as pivot tables, v-look, formulas, etc.