Principal Category Manager - CoE

Category Manager

The Category Manager within the Global Technical Materials (GTM) Center of Excellence (CoE) serves as the operational and analytical backbone of cross-group procurement activities. This role is responsible for enabling disciplined execution across the organization by owning demand visibility data, reporting infrastructure and coordination processes that support planning, sourcing and value delivery.

• Owning demand visibility database management for Europe, ensuring data accuracy, completeness and standardization.
• Develops and maintains reporting tools (e.g., PowerBI dashboards) to track pipeline, sourcing activity and value delivery.
• Establishes and improves data models and reporting frameworks across CoE workstreams.
• Translates data into actionable insights to support decision-making.

Data & Digital Infrastructure Ownership

• Owns demand visibility database management for Europe, ensuring data accuracy, completeness and standardization.
• Develops and maintains reporting tools (e.g., PowerBI dashboards) to track pipeline, sourcing activity and value delivery.
• Establishes and improves data models and reporting frameworks across CoE workstreams.
• Translates data into actionable insights to support decision-making.

Cross-Group Execution Coordination

• Coordinates execution of CoE processes, including annual planning cycles, progress status reviews (PSR), and structured reporting.
• Supports stakeholder engagement forums (e.g., MPC, TPC, STB) through preparation and coordination.
• Ensures alignment of timelines, deliverables and inputs across functions.

Value Delivery Tracking & Enablement

• Tracks performance against GTM value delivery targets and ensures transparency through reporting.
• Identifies gaps in execution and supports escalation through CoE governance.
• Enables consistent and reliable performance reporting across regions.

Strategic RFQ & Sourcing Support

• Supports execution of higher-value and strategic RFQs through analytics, documentation and coordination.
• Develops standardized sourcing documentation (RFI/RFQ templates, bid analysis models).
• Collaborates with category managers and procurement specialists on sourcing execution.

Continuous Improvement & Standardization

• Drives standardization of tools, processes and reporting across the CoE.
• Identifies inefficiencies in execution processes and contributes to improvement initiatives.
• Supports implementation of digital and data-driven ways of working.

Education And Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required (or recognized equivalent).
• Master’s degree preferred (or recognized equivalent).
• 6+ years related experience required with a degree (10 years in lieu of a degree);
• 3+ years of chemical or related industry experience and knowledge related to purchasing and materials management is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing environment, in Technical or Business related positions preferred.
• Negotiations and contract experience required.