Category Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for raw materials aligned with business objectives and manufacturing requirements.
• Conduct market analysis (pricing trends, supply-demand dynamics, suppliers landscape) to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, negotiations, and contracting for strategic suppliers.
• Lead commercial negotiations and collaborate with Legal on contractual terms, commercial terms, and pricing as part of the critical contract development and execution phase.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring compliance with KPIs, SLAs, and sustainability standards.
• Ensure deployment of strategic sourcing plans linked to production needs, logistics, and business economics.
• Drive cost optimization, value creation (cost savings, cost avoidance, supply assurance, innovation impact, working capital improvement), and continuous improvement initiatives (productivity, innovation, digitalization).
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, technical, logistics, and finance teams to manage risks and ensure supply continuity.
• Implement performance metrics and reporting systems to monitor category effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Identify and develop sustainable sourcing initiatives and supplier development programs.
• Act as subject matter expert for assigned raw material categories.
• Handles administrative updates and troubleshoots issues (supply, invoicing, compliance). Clearly communicates company procurement policies, drives compliance and risk-mitigation efforts, and contributes to a strong governance culture

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred or recognized equivalent).
• 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
• Experience in raw materials sourcing (chemicals, polymers, feedstocks, or similar industries preferred).
• Strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• English required: Conversational level (B2 or superior) with strong reading comprehension skills for daily communication and document review.