Direct Procurement Regional Category Manager

Direct Procurement Regional Category Manager

Date: Feb 5, 2026

Location: Brecksville, OH (with planned transition to Wickliffe, OH in 2028)

Job Type: Full-Time. 4 days on-site required

This role is currently based in Brecksville, Ohio. Lubrizol has announced plans to transition operations to Wickliffe, Ohio in 2028. Employees in this role are expected to transition to the Wickliffe location at that time.

Shape the Future with Us. At Lubrizol, we’re transforming the specialty chemicals supply chain through science‑driven innovation, responsible sourcing, and a culture of inclusion. As part of our global procurement team, you’ll be empowered to shape resilient supply networks, drive sustainable value, and make a real impact—on your career, your community, and the world around you.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

The Direct Procurement Regional Category Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of suppliers providing raw materials across assigned categories and regions. This role leads the development and execution of strategic category plans to maximize value for the business by ensuring supply security, optimizing total cost of ownership, mitigating risk, and driving competitive advantage. Working within a matrix organization, the role partners closely with regional and global stakeholders across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and procurement.

The position reports to the Regional Procurement Manager and is accountable to the Global Procurement Director and Chief Procurement Officer.

In this role, you will:

• Own and manage one or more raw material categories within a regional and global matrix organization
• Develop and execute strategic category plans aligned with business, regional, and global procurement objectives
• Lead pricing strategies and commercial negotiations for all materials within the assigned categories
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost savings, supplier innovation, risk reduction, and working capital improvements
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply risks, including geopolitical, regulatory, and raw material market volatility
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships through performance reviews, scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Conduct market intelligence activities including cost modeling, benchmarking, and supplier market analysis
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and other stakeholders to support product development and operational requirements
• Leverage digital procurement tools for spend analysis, forecasting, and supplier risk management
• Ensure compliance with global chemical regulations (e.g., REACH, TSCA) and integrate sustainability and ESG considerations into sourcing decisions
• Act as a strategic influencer by aligning regional category strategies with global procurement priorities
• Represent Lubrizol professionally and ethically, upholding the integrity of the Lubrizol and Berkshire Hathaway brands

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field (or equivalent extensive experience)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the chemical industry (preferred)
• Strong understanding of the sourcing and procurement lifecycle, with proven negotiation capabilities
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels, both internally and externally
• Experience working across cultures and managing regional differences
• Knowledge of regional regulatory, legal, tax, and import/export requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general digital tools

Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward:

• Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD) or MBA
• Familiarity with Lubrizol products and key raw material inputs
• ERP experience, particularly SAP and BOBJ
• Formal training in strategy development and execution
• Advanced procurement and negotiation training

At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or…