Global Category Manager

Our client is a leading specialty chemicals company with a global footprint and annual revenue exceeding $2.3 billion. They manufacture high-performance chemicals, including advanced coatings, specialty polymers, and functional additives, serving industries such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. The company is committed to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability in their global supply chain.

Role Overview:

The Global Category Manager – Raw Materials will be responsible for defining and executing global sourcing strategies for critical raw materials. This role requires deep expertise in supplier management, cost optimization, and market analysis, with a focus on ensuring supply continuity and mitigating risk. The successful candidate will collaborate with regional procurement teams, R&D, and operations, and drive category strategies that deliver cost savings and supply resilience across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement global category strategies for raw materials, aligned with overall business objectives.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management for key raw material categories worldwide.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmark pricing, and track trends to identify cost-saving and risk mitigation opportunities.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Operations, Quality, and Finance, to ensure sourcing strategies meet business and technical requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key global suppliers to ensure continuity of supply, quality standards, and innovation partnerships.
• Monitor supplier performance and compliance with contractual, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
• Drive strategic cost optimization initiatives without compromising quality or supply security.
• Collaborate with regional procurement teams to ensure alignment and best practice sharing across markets.
• Provide regular reporting and insights on category performance, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Participate in supplier audits, risk assessments, and global sourcing projects as required.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Chemistry, or Engineering; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 8–12 years’ experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain within specialty chemicals or related manufacturing industries.
• Proven experience managing raw material categories at a global level, including supplier negotiation and contract management.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with ability to translate market insights into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across cultures and regions.
• Willingness to travel internationally to meet suppliers and support global initiatives.