Direct Sourcing Category Manager

Location: Franklinton

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you passionate about strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, sustainability, and driving business value through procurement excellence? At Novonesis, our North America Procurement team plays a critical role in ensuring a secure, sustainable, and cost-effective supply of raw materials that support production across our manufacturing sites.

As a Direct Sourcing Category Manager supporting our Chemicals category, you will join a team of 10 procurement professionals responsible for sourcing and supplier management for raw materials supporting all North American production sites. Working both independently and within global category networks, you will help execute sourcing strategies that drive cost savings, mitigate risk, strengthen supply security, and advance sustainability goals across the region.

The role & your impact

This is a strategic role that combines planning, execution, stakeholder engagement, and supplier collaboration. Utilizing our PAVE (Procurement As Value Enabler) toolkit and approach, you will lead regional sourcing initiatives supporting the Chemicals category while contributing to global category strategies, helping Novonesis optimize value, reduce risk, create tangible sustainability impact and secure long-term supply continuity.

Your key responsibilities in this role

Lead regional sourcing projects in support of the Chemicals category of medium to high complexity, including supplier negotiations, tender processes, business improvement initiatives, supply security projects, and raw material substitutions.

Execute sourcing projects in alignment with global category strategies, partnering closely with Global Category Managers and cross-functional stakeholders.

Manage multiple sourcing initiatives simultaneously, including onboarding new suppliers, qualifying new materials, negotiating contracts, and securing commercial agreements.

Own the development and prioritization of the regional sourcing project pipeline, balancing cost optimization, business value, and risk mitigation opportunities.

Proactively identify Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvement opportunities across commercial, specification, and process dimensions.

Drive raw material substitution opportunities in collaboration with optimization teams and business stakeholders.

Identify, assess, and mitigate supply, commercial, environmental, regulatory, political, and sustainability risks through proactive sourcing strategies and contingency planning.

Support the development of alternate suppliers and resilient supply chain  support of our PAVE to Zero targets to reduce CO2 in scope 3 by 35% in 2030 (and target net zero by 2050) work with suppliers on carbon reduction and other high impact sustainability initiatives.

What you’ll need to be successful in this role Bachelor's degree, Business University Diploma (HD), Master's degree, MBA, or equivalent qualification.

Educational background preferably in Supply Chain Management, Sourcing, International Business, Economics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum 3-5 years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement.

Strong industry experience primarily in support of sourcing chemicals raw materials, with demonstrated competency and knowledge of suppliers, inputs, and underlying market drivers

Demonstrated experience leading sourcing projects, negotiations, and supplier management activities.

Strong understanding of procurement processes, sourcing methodologies, and contract negotiations.

Experience working with chemical suppliers and raw material sourcing.

Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.

Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills.

Fluent English language skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to work effectively across functions including Quality, Production, Engineering, Optimization, Regulatory, Legal, and Supply Chain.

Additional skills & interests we value

Additional language skills.

Experience working in global or matrix organizations.

Understanding of sustainability considerations within procurement and supply chain management.

Experience supporting raw material innovation, optimization, or substitution initiatives.

Strong commercial acumen and a continuous improvement mindset.

A collaborative, team-oriented approach combined with the ability to influence and gain commitment from stakeholders.

Working conditions

Hybrid work model based in Franklinton, North Carolina.

Expected on-site presence approximately three days per week, with additional site presence as business needs require.

Collaboration with regional and global stakeholders across multiple functions and locations.

Strategic and operational responsibilities requiring effective prioritization and project management across multiple concurrent initiatives.

Compensation & benefits

Expected base salary: $100,000 - $140,000 USD, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits you will enjoy:401(k) with up to a 9% company…