Global Category Specialist; Chemicals

We are looking for our next Global Category Specialist Chemicals within the Direct Materials Procurement team. This role combines two key dimensions: the operational management of purchasing activities and supplier performance, and the development and implementation of procurement strategies that support business growth, cost savings, risk mitigation, working-capital improvement, new-product development and plant operating efficiency.

This position is based in Midland, MI;
Wilmington, DE; or Geneva, IL. Other locations may be considered in consultation with Human Resources.

The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $110,000-$166,000 In addition, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by factors including skills, qualifications, experience and location.

As part of the Direct Materials Procurement team, you will be responsible for developing, communicating and executing procurement strategies for a global chemicals portfolio. The portfolio includes petrochemicals, commodity chemicals—including chlor-alkali derivatives—and tail-spend raw materials.

You will work closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, R&D and Manufacturing Technology. You will also coordinate with Procurement colleagues in other regions to ensure effective implementation, alignment and optimal results across global, regional and local business needs.

You will be accountable for the management and performance of the full portfolio, including category strategies, strategic objectives and optimization of the supplier base. You will manage relationships with key suppliers, address supply concerns and ensure that supplier performance supports Roquette’s business priorities.

Beyond day-to-day procurement activities, this role requires a proactive and analytical mindset to challenge existing ways of working, identify new value levers and strengthen category competitiveness. You will bring structure and rigor to sourcing decisions, supplier relationship management, performance tracking and market-risk assessment.

• Lead the sourcing strategy for the assigned chemicals portfolio with a high level of ownership and autonomy.
• Develop and implement global and regional category strategies that deliver strategic objectives at the lowest total life-cycle cost, in coordination with other regions.
• Apply a disciplined strategic sourcing methodology, including spend analysis, market intelligence, market assessment, supplier benchmarking and portfolio optimization.
• Identify, assess and qualify new suppliers to diversify the supplier base, mitigate risk and support security of supply.
• Build strong supplier partnerships and apply Supplier Relationship Management principles to enable growth, innovation, technology access and continuous improvement.
• Manage supplier performance, resolve performance issues and negotiate claims when necessary.
• Lead negotiations and contracting activities for the portfolio while ensuring alignment with Roquette objectives and stakeholder requirements.
• Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders to align priorities and anticipate changes in business and operational needs.
• Reduce working capital through supplier collaboration, payment-term negotiations and other appropriate levers.
• Analyze category performance and define relevant KPIs covering spend, supplier base, contractual coverage, savings, risk and supplier performance.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory developments and supply risks to support decision-making and anticipate change.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Quality and…