Category Manager - Professional Services

Stepan Company • Northbrook, IL

148d • $75,000 - $98,000

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director of North America Indirect Procurement, this role will be charged with developing and implementing procurement strategies that support our Corporate Teams. Overall Responsibilities Develops and executes commercial go-to-market strategies for $50 MM Professional Services category to deliver best in class sourcing value. responsible for managing the procurement process, from strategic sourcing to contracting, ensuring detailed execution aligned with category strategic vision. This role focuses on overseeing supplier selection and management and maintaining compliance with procurement policies including safety and environmental sustainability.

Requirements

• 2+ years of category management experience, preferably in professional, IT or consulting services.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting savings targets and financial goals.
• Expertise in using Microsoft Excel including using pivot tables, advanced formulas and macros.

Nice To Haves

• Category management subject matter expertise including sourcing strategy development, negotiation, stakeholder management, contracts management, and supplier performance management.
• Solid organizational and time management & project management skills and the ability to execute on multiple projects, RFXs and contract negotiations simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to extract and analyze significant amounts of data and summarize findings or options for leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple teams.
• Experience in building partner relationships; influencing and communicating with key stakeholders and presenting and gaining alignment with key leaders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Corporate Leadership and internal stakeholders across the organization to develop sourcing strategies for Mexico that provide the best overall value to the business and align with company objectives.
• Develop a deep understanding of the overall market and Stepan supply base.
• Continually monitor and analyze purchases to optimize sourcing strategies for maximum value.
• Lead the process of researching markets, identifying suppliers, bidding, negotiating, and developing contracts.
• Work with legal to finalize contracts.
• Achieve year-over-year value including but not limited to cost savings, cost avoidance, rebates and discounts, and optimization of payment terms and inventory.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, fostering partnerships that align with the company's values and quality standards.
• Monitors supplier performance and holds regular business performance reviews.
• Lead improvement actions as appropriate.

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions - Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree