Principal Category Manager - CoE

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.

By transforming fragmented inputs into structured insights and reliable tracking, the role ensures that category teams and stakeholders can focus on strategy and delivery while the CoE ensures execution transparency and consistency

• Owns and manages data, reporting and execution tracking infrastructure for cross-group procurement activities
• Coordinates European execution of CoE-driven processes and workstreams
• Supports higher-value and strategic sourcing initiatives through analytics and RFQ execution support
• Enables visibility and tracking of GTM value delivery targets through structured reporting
• Operates as a key contributor to the CoE's role as a single point of accountability for cross-group operational excellence

Data & Digital Infrastructure Ownership (Core Pillar)

• 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 (Core Pillar)

• 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

As a Category Manager at LYB you are expected to consistently demonstrate developing skills in the following:

• Collaboration (including cross-functional, cross-cultural)
• Relationship management
• Leveraging strategic relationships with both stakeholders (internal) and suppliers (external)
• Demonstrating strategic influence
• Selling ideas
• Advanced data analytics and reporting (PowerBI or similar tools)
• Presentation skills art
• Multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
• Working independently in a matrix organization with cross-functional coordination responsibilities
• Achieving strategic alignment with both stakeholders and Procurement leaders
• Serving as a change agent, demonstrating change management leadership skills
• Harnessing an innovative mindset
• Being a long-term visionary
• Being environmentally & socially conscious, actively supporting LYB's sustainability objectives
• Harmonizing analytical prowess with strategic planning
• Exercising strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Leading sourcing processes and RFQ execution
• Effective communication
• Cultural competence (demonstrating an understanding an appreciation of diverse cultural norms, values and communication styles, being sensitive to cultural differences and adept at bridging cultural gaps)
• Managing multiple deliverables in a structured and disciplined manner
• Using AI and other digital tools

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.