Category Manager - Raw Materials

Chemtrade

3h • $125,000 - $140,000 • Remote

About The Position

The focus of the Category Manager-Raw Materials is to strategically choose the right logistics services to meet the Chemtrade customer service requirements across all major raw materials supporting manufacturing locations. The Category Manager analyzes and calculates freight procurement costs and suggests methods to reduce expenditure. This role will work closely with our suppliers to optimize costs, manage contractual risks, ensure security of supply, and align cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Finance. This is a key role on the Supply Chain – Procurement team, which will also identify and lead productivity projects to improve sustainability, assist with the development of category strategies, and help business supply chain partners solve internal challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Transportation, Business or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10+ years’ experience in the chemical industry is preferred
• Training/experience in six sigma, lean manufacturing or other professional supply chain certification is preferred
• Advanced proficiency using office equipment and office software (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with ERP systems (i.e., SAP) required
• Comfortable with figures and in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
• Advanced expertise in specialized areas relevant to the role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and at all levels within the organization
• Embrace change and facilitate change management principles
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop creative solutions and mitigate risks; strong strategic thinking and business insight with the ability to understand and align organizational goals with departmental objectives and drive results
• Proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes (i.e., cost savings, market share growth or improved operational efficiency)
• Must have a valid driver license and ability to travel nationally and internationally (to/from the United States) up to 15%

Responsibilities

• Negotiate reasonable and cost-effective contracts while ensuring service standards are met while providing transparency of spending
• Define and implement efficient sourcing management strategies
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracting standards, and corporate governance guidelines.
• Maintain market competitiveness through deep understanding of global commodity markets, feedstock trends, capacity shifts, trade dynamics, and cost drivers.
• Partner with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to align category strategies with production requirements, product development, and budget planning.
• Monitor global raw material markets to identify risks, supply constraints, and commercial opportunities for Chemtrade.
• Leverage spends analytics to identify improvement opportunities and drive continuous cost and productivity outcomes.
• Implement supplier performance management, scorecards, and continuous improvement program
• Contribute to Corporate Procurement KPIs including cost productivity, supplier risk metrics, and operational performance
• Lead projects to improve Chemtrade’s overall raw material costs
• Lead projects to improve sustainability with documentation of progress
• Provide support and insights into Source to Pay work process improvements

Benefits

• Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results
• At Chemtrade we are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities, skills, and experiences of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to drive our business forward, and see our diversity as one of our greatest strengths.
• To foster an inclusive environment, we actively encourage the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are open to all employees. These employee-driven groups provide platforms for employees to share their perspectives, contribute their ideas, and help shape our inclusive and respectful culture and provide vital platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Together, we strive to build a workplace that recognizes and celebrates the diverse voices within our organization. We recognize the value of Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Join us in our journey towards building an inclusive workplace that promotes the personal and professional development of our employees.
• Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and their families.
• That is why we proudly offer a range of family-friendly benefits, and opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally. Join us and be a part of a company that values diversity, inclusion and the well-being of its employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level