Feedstock Category Manager

Oxea GmbH•Houston, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Feedstock Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing regional strategic sourcing initiatives and risk management strategies for Raw Materials in the United States. This role drives procurement strategies that ensure a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective supply of raw materials while supporting production requirements and business growth. Working cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Planning, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Logistics, the Category Manager translates sourcing strategies into commercial agreements, purchase orders, and supplier partnerships that optimize cost, quality, service, and supply continuity. The position requires strong market intelligence, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, forecasting, and category management expertise. The Category Manager operates in alignment with company values, procurement policies, safety and environmental standards, applicable regulations, and industry best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain management within manufacturing, chemicals, petrochemicals, or industrial environments.
Proven experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing supplier relationships.
Experience leading sourcing events, tenders, and contract negotiations.
Knowledge of logistics, transportation, Incoterms, and international shipping practices.
Experience analyzing commodity markets and supply-demand trends.
Experience supporting forecasting, budgeting, and procurement planning.
Strategic sourcing, category management, and Supplier relationship management
Contract negotiation and commercial acumen
Commodity and market analysis
Cost modeling and total cost of ownership analysis
Risk management and supply continuity planning
Forecasting and analytical skills
Strong analytical and financial modeling capabilities
Cross-functional collaboration
Project management
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced global environment
Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
Results-oriented with a bias for action.
Strong project management and execution capabilities.
High degree of integrity, accountability, and ownership.

Nice To Haves

Professional procurement certification (CPSM, CPSD, CIPS, APICS, or equivalent) is preferred.
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for assigned feedstock categories that support business objectives and long-term supply security.
Build reliable, sustainable, and cost-efficient sourcing strategies in collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, Manufacturing, and regional leadership.
Evaluate global and regional supply markets to identify opportunities for supplier diversification, cost optimization, and risk mitigation.
Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to enhance supply resilience and competitive sourcing.
Lead sourcing initiatives, competitive bidding events, and tender processes.
Negotiate commercial terms, pricing agreements, and long-term supply contracts that maximize value while ensuring supply continuity.
Manage strategic supplier relationships and conduct regular supplier performance evaluations.
Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, delivery performance, service levels, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support supplier audits and ensure compliance with company standards and procurement policies.
Continuously monitor feedstock markets, including upstream and downstream industry trends, pricing movements, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical risks.
Assess market conditions to proactively identify opportunities and mitigate supply disruptions resulting from plant turnarounds, scheduled maintenance, force majeure events, or other market changes.
Develop recommendations that support sourcing decisions and business planning.
Prepare monthly procurement forecasts and rolling 18-month demand forecasts.
Participate in monthly forecasting and business review meetings.
Develop market analyses, reports, dashboards, and executive presentations to support strategic decision-making.
Support budgeting activities and procurement planning.
Identify and implement initiatives that reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining quality and service expectations.
Develop and monitor procurement KPIs to measure supplier performance, cost savings, supply reliability, and category effectiveness.
Lead or participate in strategic business growth and capital projects requiring procurement support.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain operations.
Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, quality standards, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) requirements.
Support internal and external audits.
Assist in maintaining procurement procedures and Integrated Management System (IMS) documentation.