[Hiring] Category Manager-Raw Materials @Chemtrade

Role Description

The focus of the Category Manager-Raw Materials is to strategically choose the right suppliers and materials solutions to meet the Chemtrade production requirements across all raw materials supporting manufacturing locations. The Category Manager analyzes and calculates optimal raw materials supply costs and suggests methods to reduce expenditure. This role will work closely with our suppliers to optimize costs, manage contractual risks, ensure security of supply, and align cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Finance. This is a key role on the Raw Materials Procurement team, which will also identify and lead productivity projects to improve sustainability, assist with the development of category strategies, and help business partners solve internal challenges.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Raw Materials Category Strategy and Execution (60%)
  • Negotiate reasonable and cost-effective contracts while ensuring service standards are met while providing transparency of spending.
  • Define and implement efficient sourcing management strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracting standards, and corporate governance guidelines.
  • Maintain market competitiveness through deep understanding of global commodity markets, feedstock trends, capacity shifts, trade dynamics, and cost drivers.
  • Partner with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to align category strategies with production requirements, product development, and budget planning.
  • Monitor global raw material markets to identify risks, supply constraints, and commercial opportunities for Chemtrade.
  • Leverage spends analytics to identify improvement opportunities and drive continuous cost and productivity outcomes.
  • Implement supplier performance management, scorecards, and continuous improvement program.
  • Contribute to Corporate Procurement KPIs including cost productivity, supplier risk metrics, and operational performance.
• Improvement/Productivity Projects (40%)
  • Lead projects to improve Chemtrade’s overall raw material costs.
  • Lead projects to improve sustainability with documentation of progress.
  • Provide support and insights into Source to Pay work process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, business or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years’ experience in the chemical industry is preferred.
• Training/experience in six sigma, lean manufacturing or other professional supply chain certification is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency using office equipment and office software (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with ERP systems (i.e., SAP) required.
• Comfortable with figures and in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and at all levels within the organization.
• Embrace change and facilitate change management principles.
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop creative solutions and mitigate risks; strong strategic thinking and business insight with the ability to understand and align organizational goals with departmental objectives and drive results.
• Proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes (i.e., cost savings, market share growth or improved operational efficiency).
• Must have a valid driver license and ability to travel nationally and internationally (between US and Canada) up to 10%.

Benefits

• Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results.
• Commitment to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities, skills, and experiences of every employee.
• Encouragement of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster an inclusive environment.
• Support for work-life balance and well-being of employees and their families.
• Range of family-friendly benefits and opportunities for career growth and advancement.