Global Category Manager

Shape Nouryon’s global petrochemical sourcing strategy in a high-impact role with full ownership of two critical raw material categories. As Global Category Manager, you’ll be at the center of major commercial decisions, leading complex negotiations and steering long-term supplier partnerships across multiple regions. If you thrive on strategic responsibility, data-driven decision making, and influencing at senior levels, this role will give you the scope and visibility to make a real difference.

Our Direct Procurement team is a global group of 45 professionals managing Nouryon’s strategic raw material base — a portfolio with significant impact on our cost position, product quality, and sustainability agenda. Around 20 colleagues are based in our modern office in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, with others embedded in key regions close to our markets and suppliers. The team works closely with Manufacturing, R&D, Finance, Sustainability, and our business units to ensure reliable, cost‑effective, and sustainable supply.

As Global Category Manager you will play a key role in this team, with end‑to‑end responsibility for two strategically important global categories within our petrochemical value chain: a core portfolio of petrochemical raw materials and intermediates, and a range of downstream petrochemical products and derivatives — both directly tied to Nouryon’s core business performance. You will have significant visibility and the autonomy to define and implement category strategies, lead high‑stakes negotiations, and build long‑term supplier partnerships that directly support Nouryon’s growth and performance.

Own and drive multi-year sourcing roadmaps across key petrochemical raw materials and intermediates, balancing cost, supply security, sustainability, and innovation in structurally different global markets. Conduct deep market intelligence, cost-driver analysis, and risk assessments across petrochemical feedstock and downstream product supply chains to identify opportunities and secure competitive advantage. Lead complex global negotiations and long-term contracting, structuring deals that deliver durable value and protect Nouryon’s supply position in tight or volatile markets.

Serve as the primary strategic partner to Business Line leadership, translating business needs into sourcing strategies. Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, and Quality to align specifications, optimize total cost of ownership, and enable product innovation. Represent Procurement in senior forums, presenting strategy, risks, and commercial recommendations. Build and maintain long‑term, strategic relationships with global suppliers. Drive supplier segmentation, performance reviews, development initiatives, and innovation discussions.

Monitor global market dynamics across petrochemical feed stocks, intermediates, and derivatives. Champion cost‑out programs, value engineering initiatives, and total cost of ownership improvements that directly strengthen Nouryon’s margin and competitiveness.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Chemistry, or related field
• At least 7 years working experience in strategic procurement or category management, with a track record in complex global commodity categories, preferably in petrochemicals or related chemical raw materials.
• Proven success managing complex, high-value global spend portfolios, including experience handling dual-category or multi-market scope.
• Extensive negotiation experience at a senior level, with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries and land complex commercial concepts with both suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Advanced strategic thinking skills with ability to analyze data, understand interdependencies and develop strategies at global category level.
• Fluency in English, both verbal as well as in writing.
• The ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, driving multiple work streams simultaneously across two complex global categories.