Global Category Manager - Direct Procurement

Date: Aug 19, 2026

Location: Brecksville, OH, US,

Company: Lubrizol Corporation

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.

Travel: 15-25% globally

Location: Brecksville, OH to start, and transitioning to Wickliffe, OH in 2028.

As Lubrizol approaches its centennial in 2028, our Wickliffe campus will become the unified home of Lubrizol’s global headquarters, integrating Lubrizol’s Brecksville site capabilities and employees to the Wickliffe campus.

Job Type: Full-time. Collaborate in person 4 days each week, with 1 flexible remote day.

As a Global Category Manager - Direct Procurement, you'll play a critical role in shaping the regional sourcing strategy for some of Lubrizol's most essential raw materials. From navigating dynamic global markets to building strategic supplier partnerships, you'll help ensure the reliable, cost-effective supply of materials that power business growth and manufacturing excellence around the world. Working at the intersection of procurement, operations, and commercial strategy, you'll influence key business decisions, drive value creation, and strengthen supply chain resilience in a highly visible and impactful role.

You'll collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals to deliver sustainable solutions that advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life.

• Develop and execute global category strategies for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlor-alkali, and related feed stocks to support long-term business growth and operational success.
• Partner closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with manufacturing requirements, customer commitments, and commercial objectives.
• Lead strategic supplier relationships and negotiations that drive cost competitiveness, supply assurance, innovation, and sustainable value creation.
• Monitor global market trends, feedstock economics, regulatory developments, and industry dynamics to identify opportunities and proactively manage risk.
• Build resilient supply strategies through contingency planning, supplier diversification, and business continuity initiatives.
• Champion supplier performance improvements across cost, quality, service, sustainability, and innovation.
• Provide market insights and procurement expertise that support informed decision-making and strengthen competitive advantage.
• Drive procurement excellence through category management best practices, continuous improvement initiatives, and strong governance standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, commercial operations, or the chemical industry.
• Proven success developing and executing regional category strategies and delivering measurable business value.
• Strong experience leading complex negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Excellent analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate market trends and business impacts.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leaders within a matrixed organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 15-25% globally to support supplier, plant, and business engagement activities.

• Experience in PVC, chlor-alkali, petrochemical, specialty chemical, or related feedstock markets.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other advanced degree.
• Knowledge of SAP, procurement analytics platforms, and strategic sourcing tools.
• Experience supporting manufacturing-intensive businesses and complex supply chains.
• Experience leading global sourcing initiatives and…