Sr Category Manager

About the role

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. The role is typically responsible for more than $100MM in annual spend with a high level of complexity and business critical materials. The role typically comprises 70% strategic and 30% tactical procurement and works with very limited direction and guidance. Responsibilities include the development of strategies and providing leadership at a global level within particular categories of raw materials. Will manage or supervise employees.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• 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.
• Strong knowledge of and experienced in the principles of contract writing and management.
• Demonstrated experience & computer literacy regarding SAP & MS Office applications.
• Team-oriented leadership dedicated to continuous improvement, maximizing productivity and effectiveness in the organization, and promoting best practices.
• Ability to keep organized and establish priorities that align with business and stakeholder objectives.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and meeting established deadlines.
• Ability to quickly learn processes, practices, and routine business applications.

Benefits

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

Pay

$140,000–$160,000 base salary; range reflects target for new hire salaries and is determined by job scope, skills, experience and relevant education or training.