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.