Category Manager

About the role

Afton Chemical Corporation, a subsidiary of NewMarket Corporation, seeks a seasoned procurement professional to develop and manage supplier relationships, negotiate commercial terms, and ensure optimal supply and pricing for raw materials, products, and services. The role involves deep market analysis, strategic sourcing, and cross-functional collaboration to support Afton’s global operations and long-range planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supplier relationships to negotiate and maintain price and supply conditions, ensuring commercial terms are optimized, supply is maintained, contracts are implemented and managed, and SAP data is maintained.
• Analyze the market for raw materials, products, and services to identify factors influencing availability and pricing, anticipating and communicating significant market changes.
• Identify and select sources for assigned raw materials, products, and services, working with the supplier base to explore new sources and technologies that benefit Afton.
• Prepare, maintain, and communicate long-term sourcing strategies to support the Long-Range Plan (LRP) at regional and global levels, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Develop and maintain forecasts (volume and price) for supplier communications and internal planning, including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process.
• Monitor the quality and consistency of raw materials, products, and services using the Supplier Care System (SCS) to record and resolve quality issues.
• Collaborate with Process Technology, R&D, Manufacturing, and other departments to investigate and resolve quality issues efficiently.
• Partner with regional and global purchasing team members to identify synergies and maximize strategic purchasing initiatives.
• Implement strategies to meet business continuity objectives.
• Consult with Business Group, R&D, Manufacturing, and Process Technology to provide insights on competitive challenges, pricing initiatives, and quality, service, price, and distribution issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Business, Economics, Math, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant or related experience, with demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters or MBA) preferred.
• Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant, or chemical industry preferred.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification (e.g., CIPS) preferred.
• For NewMarket, Afton, or Ethyl employees, an appropriate combination of experiences may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements.

Skills

• High personal credibility and ethics.
• Demonstrated understanding of market economics, cost drivers, and value chains, ideally within the chemical industry.
• Ability to manage conflicting and rapidly changing priorities, prioritize effectively, and deliver to deadlines.
• Strong 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.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build consensus.
• Strategic and analytic approach to procurement with knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and practices.
• Broad knowledge of contract writing and management principles.
• Demonstrated computer literacy with regard to Afton’s routine applications.
• Team-oriented leadership dedicated to continuous improvement, maximizing productivity, and promoting best practices.
• Effective listening skills.

Benefits

• 100% Company-funded Pension Plan
• 401(k) Savings Plan with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft Insurance