Category Manager- Oleochemicals; University Park, IL

Know how to turn commodity market insights into smarter sourcing decisions?

We should talk.

Verdant Specialty Solutions is looking for an experienced Category Manager – Oleochemicals to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for key oleochemical and commodity chemical categories.

Reporting to the Procurement Director, you’ll develop sourcing strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and identify opportunities to improve cost competitiveness and supply reliability. You’ll work closely with global suppliers, including those in North America and Southeast Asia, and collaborate across Planning, Operations, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to support business needs.

• Strategic sourcing
  :
  Develop and execute sourcing strategies for oleochemicals and commodity chemicals that balance cost, quality, and supply reliability.
• Global supplier relationships: Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers across North America and Southeast Asia, building relationships that support long‑term business needs.
• Supplier negotiations: Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supply agreements to deliver competitive commercial outcomes.
• Cost analysis: Build should‑cost models, evaluate supplier proposals, and apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to sourcing decisions.
• Commodity market intelligence
  :
  Monitor global commodity markets, feedstock pricing, and palm‑and‑coconut‑based value chains to anticipate trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Supply continuity: Partner with internal teams and suppliers to address supply risks, improve supplier performance, and maintain reliable material availability.
• Procurement performance: Track sourcing savings, cost trends, and supplier performance while communicating market developments and risks to stakeholders.
• Data and reporting: Use SAP and advanced Excel capabilities to analyze spend, develop forecasts, and support data‑driven procurement decisions.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience within the chemical industry.
• Experience sourcing globally, including North America and Southeast Asia.
• Strong understanding of oleochemical and commodity chemical markets, including palm- and coconut-based feed stocks and value chains.
• Demonstrated ability to develop should‑cost models and apply total cost of ownership principles to sourcing decisions.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships, commercial agreements, and supply risks.
• SAP experience required, along with advanced Excel skills for spend analysis, forecasting, and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to turn market intelligence and procurement data into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work across functions and with international suppliers.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to changing market conditions.

You’ll join a global specialty chemicals business where strategic sourcing plays an important role in cost competitiveness, supply reliability, and operational performance. This position offers the opportunity to influence sourcing decisions, build global supplier relationships, and deliver measurable improvements in procurement performance.