What are the responsibilities and job description for the Global Category Manager - Indirect Procurement position at The Lubrizol Corporation?
Shape the Future with Us.
At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.
As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.
Job Location: Wickliffe, OH, or Brecksville, OH (with planned transition to Wickliffe, OH in 2028) or Deer Park, TX.
As Lubrizol approaches its centennial in 2028, our Wickliffe campus will become the unified home of Lubrizol’s global headquarters, integrating Lubrizol’s Brecksville site capabilities and employees to the Wickliffe campus.
Job type: Full-Time. Collaborate in person 4 days each week, with 1 flexible remote day.
How You’ll Make An Impact
As a Global Category Manager – Indirect Procurement, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping our global sourcing strategy, driving value across a diverse portfolio of suppliers, services, and equipment. In this highly visible role, you will partner with cross-functional and regional teams to optimize total cost of ownership, strengthen supply chain resilience, and unlock supplier-driven innovation. Your strategic leadership and market insight will directly influence business performance, enabling sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and operational excellence on a global scale.
In This Role, You Will
Role
At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:
Benefits That Empower You
Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You.
For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.
We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.
Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.
We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.
At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.
As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.
Job Location: Wickliffe, OH, or Brecksville, OH (with planned transition to Wickliffe, OH in 2028) or Deer Park, TX.
As Lubrizol approaches its centennial in 2028, our Wickliffe campus will become the unified home of Lubrizol’s global headquarters, integrating Lubrizol’s Brecksville site capabilities and employees to the Wickliffe campus.
Job type: Full-Time. Collaborate in person 4 days each week, with 1 flexible remote day.
How You’ll Make An Impact
As a Global Category Manager – Indirect Procurement, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping our global sourcing strategy, driving value across a diverse portfolio of suppliers, services, and equipment. In this highly visible role, you will partner with cross-functional and regional teams to optimize total cost of ownership, strengthen supply chain resilience, and unlock supplier-driven innovation. Your strategic leadership and market insight will directly influence business performance, enabling sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and operational excellence on a global scale.
In This Role, You Will
- Manage a global portfolio of indirect procurement categories within a complex, matrixed organization.
- Develop and execute multi-year category strategies focused on total cost of ownership, quality, service, and innovation.
- Source, evaluate, and onboard global suppliers while leading contract negotiations and establishing master service agreements.
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to align procurement strategies with broader business objectives.
- Drive supplier performance management, continuous improvement, and supplier-enabled innovation initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, diversification, and risk mitigation across global markets.
- Lead pricing strategies and negotiations to achieve cost savings and productivity targets.
- Leverage market intelligence and industry best practices to strengthen competitive positioning.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and health, safety, environment, and security standards.
- Monitor and report category performance, including cost trends, risks, and value delivery.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
- 8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain, preferably within the chemical or manufacturing industry.
- Proven experience developing and implementing global sourcing or category management strategies.
- Strong negotiation, contracting, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational capabilities.
- Knowledge of global regulatory, legal, tax, and import/export requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and digital business systems.
- Advanced degree such as an MBA or master's in a related discipline.
- Experience with enterprise resource planning systems such as SAP and business intelligence tools like Power BI.
- Background in data analytics and procurement performance reporting.
- Knowledge of company products, manufacturing processes, and global asset footprint.
- Formal training in strategy development and execution.
Role
At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:
- Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
- Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
- Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
- Occasional lifting or movement of materials
- Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards
Benefits That Empower You
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
- 401(k) match Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
- Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
- Flexible work environment
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career and professional growth
- Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement
Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You.
For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.
We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.
Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.
We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.