The Category Manager responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for a portfolio of chemical products or services. This role focuses on optimizing the supply chain, reducing costs, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring product availability in line with business needs. The Category Manager plays a pivotal role in driving value, mitigating risks, and maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Hybrid: Atlanta, GA****
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Sourcing:
- Develop and implement category strategies to support business objectives, focusing on cost optimization, quality improvement, and supplier performance.
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the chemicals category.
- Manage RFQs (Request for Quotations) and RFPs (Request for Proposals) for sourcing chemical materials and services.
- Drive negotiations with suppliers to achieve the best possible terms in pricing, delivery, and quality.
Supplier Management:
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they meet the company's performance standards and strategic goals.
- Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and audits to ensure compliance with contractual agreements, quality standards, and sustainability initiatives.
- Develop and manage supplier risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity, especially for critical materials.
- Implement supplier development programs to improve supplier capabilities and performance.
Category and Spend Management:
- Monitor and analyze category spend, identifying areas for cost savings, process improvements, and increased efficiency.
- Collaborate with finance and other departments to ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting, and inventory management for the chemicals category.
- Identify and capitalize on opportunities for value creation through strategic partnerships, innovative supply solutions, or alternative sourcing options.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure alignment of sourcing strategies with product development and production goals.
- Collaborate with global and regional procurement teams to leverage economies of scale and best practices.
- Lead or participate in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives related to the category.
Regulatory and Compliance:
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with relevant industry regulations, environmental policies, and safety standards (e.g., REACH, TSCA, OSHA).
- Stay up to date with regulatory changes and their potential impact on the chemicals category.
- Work with the legal and compliance teams to manage contracts and agreements, ensuring that all supplier contracts are legally sound and compliant with regulations.
Market Intelligence:
- Monitor global chemical markets, including trends in pricing, supply and demand, and geopolitical influences that may affect supply chains.
- Conduct competitor analysis to benchmark against industry standards and identify best practices.
- Provide insights and recommendations to senior management based on market research and data analysis.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is a plus.
- Experience:
- 5-7 years of procurement or category management experience in the chemicals or manufacturing industry.
- Experience managing complex chemical supply chains and working with global suppliers.
- Skills:
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Deep understanding of chemical products, market trends, and regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency in procurement software and systems (e.g., SAP, Ariba).
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to analyze spend data and market trends.
- Strong project management and leadership abilities.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and build strong internal and external relationships.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
