Category Manager-Raw Materials

Accountabilities

• • Develop and execute strategic sourcing and category management strategies for raw materials, ensuring alignment with production requirements, business objectives, and procurement policies.
  • Negotiate cost-effective supplier contracts while maintaining appropriate service levels, transparency of spending, and effective management of contractual and commercial risks.
  • Monitor global commodity markets, feedstock trends, supply capacity, trade dynamics, and other market factors to identify cost pressures, supply risks, constraints, and commercial opportunities.
  • Partner with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to align category strategies with production needs, product development initiatives, financial planning, and organizational priorities.
  • Analyze procurement spend and market data to identify opportunities for cost reduction, productivity improvement, and enhanced sourcing performance.
  • Establish and maintain supplier performance management programs, including scorecards, performance reviews, risk monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Contribute to procurement KPIs related to cost productivity, supplier risk, operational performance, and overall category effectiveness.
  • Lead initiatives designed to improve raw material costs and deliver measurable productivity gains across the procurement portfolio.
  • Lead sustainability-focused projects, track progress, and document measurable improvements and outcomes.
  • Support Source-to-Pay process improvement initiatives and help identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows.
  • Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders while facilitating effective communication, change management, and resolution of complex sourcing challenges.
  • Provide strategic insights and recommendations to leadership based on market analysis, financial data, supplier performance, and emerging supply risks.
  • Travel nationally and internationally between the United States and Canada, up to approximately 10%, as required.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in the chemical industry is preferred, particularly in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or category management.
  • Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is required, along with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Professional training or experience in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or relevant supply chain certifications is preferred.
  • Strong ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate quantitative and market data to support strategic business decisions.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of commodity markets, supplier dynamics, cost drivers, and supply risk management.
  • Proven negotiation, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract management capabilities.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop creative solutions, and mitigate commercial and operational risks.
  • Strategic business thinking with the ability to connect organizational objectives to category strategies and measurable results.
  • Proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes, such as cost savings, improved operational efficiency, productivity gains, or other commercial improvements.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
  • Ability to embrace change, facilitate change management, and lead cross-functional initiatives.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and stakeholder relationship skills.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally and internationally between the United States and Canada up to 10%.

  Benefits

  • Base salary range of $115,000–$135,000 USD, with actual compensation based on location, skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors.
  • Bonus potential and additional incentive opportunities.
  • Comprehensive benefits designed to support employee health, well-being, and financial security.
  • Family-friendly benefits supporting employees and their families at different stages of life.
  • Opportunities for professional development, career growth, and advancement.
  • A workplace focused on diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and respect.
  • Employee Resource Groups that provide opportunities to connect, share perspectives, and contribute to an inclusive culture.
  • Work-life balance initiatives and programs supporting personal and professional well-being.
  • Remote work environment with approximately 10% travel to and from locations in the United States and Canada.