Regional Category Specialist, Resins & Liquids, NA

Position Overview

The Regional Category Manager plays a key role in formulating and implementing sourcing strategies tailored to specific categories that contribute to long-term competitive advantage. This position collaborates with regional, global, and cross-functional partners to maximize cost savings, foster innovation, enhance supplier performance, and effectively manage risk across assigned spending areas.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute sourcing plans at both local and regional levels that align with overall business objectives and global category direction.
• Manage the entire 5-Step Sourcing Process, securing stakeholder agreement and formal approval for strategies.
• Pursue opportunities for value generation, such as cost reduction, value engineering, and supplier-driven innovation.
• Develop and sustain long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
• Conduct routine performance assessments (quarterly and annually) for key suppliers.
• Lead contract negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and service quality.
• Build strong networks across regional and functional leadership, including Operations, R&D, Innovation, and Plant General Managers.
• Engage in critical business discussions to ensure sourcing activities support operational and strategic goals.
• Monitor and document sourcing achievement, including cost reductions and innovation efforts, via the SIP pipeline.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date sourcing and spend data, including master records, classifications, forecasts, and timelines.
• Contribute insights on market trends and provide visibility on category performance.

Key Performance Indicators

• Delivery of agreed cost in/out targets
• Proportion of spend under active contracts
• Savings captured and reported via SIP
• Number and execution of identified innovation initiatives
• Precision and punctuality of sourcing and spend data

Experience & Qualifications Required

• At least 5 years in sourcing or procurement within a multinational company
• Experience managing procurement for petrochemicals (preferably polystyrene) and liquid industrial chemicals
• Demonstrated impact on cost savings and financial improvement
• Success in contract negotiations, total cost of ownership analysis, risk management, and responsible sourcing practices

Core Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in category management and sourcing processes
• Proficiency in supplier evaluation and negotiation
• Strong financial acumen—budgeting and forecasting skills
• Analytical mindset with strong negotiation and influencing abilities
• Understanding of international trade (e.g., Incoterms, letters of credit)
• Project management capabilities, adept at handling multiple priorities
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cultures