Chemical Category Manager

kdc/one•Saddle Brook, NJ

147d

About The Position

The Chemical Category Manager defines and executes category strategies across key chemical segments, such as actives, surfactants, alcohols, and extracts. The role drives cost optimization, supply resilience, and long-term value creation by combining strategic leadership with analytical and commercial capabilities. It aligns category activity with business priorities while managing supplier partnerships and risk. The Category Manager leads end-to-end sourcing initiatives, uses data-driven insights, and collaborates across functions to deliver sustainable results and continuous improvement. The role also supports sites with supply issues and local negotiations, promotes adherence to preferred suppliers and sourcing strategies, and manages compliance, risk, and contingency planning.

Requirements

8–12 years of experience in direct procurement or category management, preferably in chemical categories such as actives, surfactants, alcohols, and extracts.
Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is required.
Strong strategic thinking and category management expertise.
Advanced negotiation skills and commercial acumen.
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
Ability to influence stakeholders and provide leadership across functions.
Supplier relationship management skills and a partnership mindset.
Self-driven approach, with the ability to lead and influence without authority.
Problem-solving and continuous improvement orientation.
Ability to balance strategic initiatives with operational priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the pharmaceutical, personal care, home care, beauty, or chemical manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
Experience in co-manufacturing and decentralized organizations is an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement chemical category strategies aligned with business objectives.
Manage the full category lifecycle, including supplier segmentation and risk mitigation.
Identify and execute value-creation opportunities.
Monitor market trends and adapt strategies proactively.
Lead complex sourcing initiatives, including RFx processes.
Negotiate commercial agreements, including pricing and terms.
Manage supplier relationships and performance.
Drive supplier innovation and continuous improvement.
Analyze spending, market intelligence, and supplier performance data to support decisions.
Develop category dashboards and KPIs to track performance against targets.
Use data insights to identify trends, risks, and optimization opportunities.
Ensure accuracy and integrity of category and supplier data.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date procurement tracker data for financial reporting and alignment with Finance requirements.
Act as the primary escalation point for supply issues involving managed suppliers and ensure timely resolution with minimal operational disruption.
Support sites in local negotiations by providing guidance and alignment with category strategies and commercial frameworks.
Collaborate with local teams to promote adherence to preferred suppliers and sourcing strategies while addressing site-specific needs.
Provide expertise and support for supply continuity, risk mitigation, and alternative sourcing when required.
Partner with cross-functional teams and act as procurement lead for assigned categories.
Influence stakeholders and drive adoption.
Ensure compliance with policies and contracts, manage supply risk and contingency plans, and support audit requirements.