Feedstock Category Manager

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OXEA is a global manufacturer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals with around 1,200 employees worldwide. Our products are used in various applications such as paints and coatings, lubricants and functional fluids, and personal care products.

Location:

Houston, US, 77056

Mobile work possible?: yes, hybrid

Entry Date:

Employment type:

Full time

Oxo products are the core competency of OXEA Corporation. We are producing more than 70 oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives for customers in a wide range of industries with various end market applications. Our chemicals are important ingredients in products that are used in daily life around the world. "We" refers to more than 1,200 OXEA employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, and China, we produce intermediates and derivatives.

The Feedstock Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing regional strategic sourcing initiatives and risk management strategies for Raw Materials in the United States. This role drives procurement strategies that ensure a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective supply of raw materials while supporting production requirements and business growth.

Working cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Planning, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Logistics, the Category Manager translates sourcing strategies into commercial agreements, purchase orders, and supplier partnerships that optimize cost, quality, service, and supply continuity. The position requires strong market intelligence, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, forecasting, and category management expertise.

The Category Manager operates in alignment with company values, procurement policies, safety and environmental standards, applicable regulations, and industry best practices.

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for assigned feedstock categories that support business objectives and long-term supply security.
• Build reliable, sustainable, and cost-efficient sourcing strategies in collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, Manufacturing, and regional leadership.
• Evaluate global and regional supply markets to identify opportunities for supplier diversification, cost optimization, and risk mitigation.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to enhance supply resilience and competitive sourcing.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, competitive bidding events, and tender processes.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing agreements, and long-term supply contracts that maximize value while ensuring supply continuity.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and conduct regular supplier performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, delivery performance, service levels, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support supplier audits and ensure compliance with company standards and procurement policies.
• Continuously monitor feedstock markets, including upstream and downstream industry trends, pricing movements, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical risks.
• Assess market conditions to proactively identify opportunities and mitigate supply disruptions resulting from plant turnarounds, scheduled maintenance, force majeure events, or other market changes.
• Develop recommendations that support sourcing decisions and business planning.

• Prepare monthly procurement forecasts and rolling 18-month demand forecasts.
• Participate in monthly forecasting and business review meetings.
• Develop market analyses, reports, dashboards, and executive presentations to support strategic decision-making.
• Support budgeting activities and procurement planning.
• Identify and implement initiatives that reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining quality and service expectations.
• Develop and monitor procurement KPIs to measure supplier performance, cost savings, supply reliability, and category effectiveness.
• Lead or participate in strategic business growth and capital projects requiring procurement support.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain operations.

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, quality standards, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) requirements.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Assist in…