Senior Category Manager

Job Title

Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost-effective supply of a portfolio of raw materials, goods and services to support business goals and operations, including production, contract manufacturing, R&D and corporate functions.

Define and implement long-term sourcing strategies at both a regional and global level for specific raw materials, products, and services while coordinating across regions.

Understand raw material markets, key market drivers and interdependencies. Identify and manage factors that influence availability and pricing. Anticipate, manage and communicate significant market changes.

Develop and manage supplier relationships and supplier performance to ensure alignment with key business objectives (i.e., cost, quality, delivery, safety, business continuity, sustainability, payment terms, inventory, and new products). Identify, lead, and drive implementation of supplier-focused projects to reduce cost and improve performance.

Negotiate with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in price and supply conditions. Ensure commercial terms are optimized, supply is maintained, contracts are implemented and SAP data is current.

Identify and implement new sources of raw materials within existing portfolio and new technologies that enable competitive advantage, and sponsor and support qualifications and approvals.

Develop and maintain forecasts (volume and price) for use with suppliers and for internal communications, including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process.

Take the lead to identify and implement best-practice procurement processes and tools. (i.e., RFPs/RFQs, negotiations, vendor selection and qualification, supplier relationship management and performance, and contract development)

Monitor quality and consistency of raw materials, products, and services. Resolve supplier quality issues effectively and drive supplier improvement by consulting with Process Technology, R&D and Manufacturing.

Consult with cross functional business partners to provide information regarding market dynamics, competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives, quality, service, and supply chain issues.

Supervise employees, facilitate employee career development and training, and manage employee performance.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering (strongly preferred) or related fields.
• Demonstrate strong experience and results in strategic procurement/sourcing, complex negotiation, strategic planning, project management, influencing, and leadership qualities typically acquired through at least 10 years of experience in related roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of procurement in the SAP environment, typically acquired through 10 or more years of procurement experience.
• Strong applied experience using tools and technologies (such as SAP, Tableau and MS Office) to perform detailed business and data analytics and communications efficiently and effectively.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Advanced degree desired (Masters or MBA)
• Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant, or chemical industry
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification (e.g. CIPS)
• Lean Six Sigma experience/certification

An appropriate combination of education and experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• High integrity, credibility, and ethics.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of chemical industry market economics, cost drivers, and value chains.
• Effective complex strategic negotiation, facilitation, and conflict management skills.
• Self-starter with strong business acumen and the ability to link business goals and market trends to make sound procurement decisions.
• Prior people leadership experience.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build consensus.
• Strong strategic and analytic approach to procurement with knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and practice.
• St…