Global Category Manager, Chemicals

Avery Dennison•Mentor, OH

5h•$127,000 - $169,000•Remote

About The Position

The Global Procurement function at Avery Dennison is evolving to become a Value Creator function. Our Vision: To create holistic value for the enterprise through our ONE Avery Dennison procurement mindset. Our Mission: To gain a competitive advantage in our industry through exceptional procurement practices with an ultimate goal of creating value for the enterprise and our customers. We engage with our internal and external stakeholders in ways that cultivate trusted partnerships. We mitigate risk, employ innovative thinking, embrace the rapidly emerging digitized world and commit to practices that advance sustainability. We are committed to positioning Procurement as a competitive advantage for our enterprise and are driving a 5 year transformation journey through Project Nova. We are currently in Year 3 of Nova. Our focus remains on uplifting our Performance, Processes, Programs and our People. We are seeking a Senior Manager, Procurement - Global Chemicals: a high-impact, remote role dedicated to championing the "5 Levers" of category management across our ~$650M global chemicals spend. This role does not have direct reports but acts as the global architect and champion for chemical strategy, ensuring consistency and value creation across all Avery Dennison regions. Mission As a key leader, and executioner in the Global Chemicals Community, you will be responsible for operationalizing Project Nova globally. You will drive the 5 Levers across the chemicals category to optimize spend and unify regional chemical category managers under a single, cohesive global vision, across our Materials Group (Label and Packaging Materials, Graphics, Reflective, and Performance Tapes) and driving the "5 Levers" strategic plan for specific global chemical categories.

Requirements

Matrix Influencing: Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional and cross-regional teams without having direct formal authority.
Strategic Mastery: Deep understanding of the 5 Levers of Procurement and how to apply them to complex chemical categories.
Digital Mindset: Ability to embrace and promote digitized procurement tools for spend visibility and market analysis.
Global Perspective: A truly global mindset with the ability to navigate different regional market dynamics and cultural nuances.
Exceptional Communication: Capable of "selling" complex procurement strategies to senior executive leadership and technical stakeholders alike.
Behavior: Be a true champion of Avery Dennison Core Values. Integrity, Courage, External Focus, Diversity, Sustainability, Innovation, Teamwork, Excellence.
Strategic Execution: Proven ability to take high-level global strategies and translate them into actionable regional tactics.
Analytical Rigor: Highly proficient in data analysis, cost modeling, and utilizing digital procurement tools to drive insights.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required (Supply Chain, Engineering, or Chemistry preferred). MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
Experience: 12+ years of experience in Procurement or Strategic Sourcing, preferably within a global manufacturing environment with at least 7 years specifically in Global Chemical Procurement.
Strong business acumen experience.
Knowledge of negotiating and developing contracts as well as solid business knowledge to sell procurement strategies internally to the business.
Category Expertise: Strong expertise in Chemicals is required.
Global Exposure: Experience working within a global matrix and understanding international supply chain dynamics.
Travel: Ability to travel globally (approx. 20%) for supplier summits and internal leadership meetings.
Project Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading large-scale functional transformations (e.g., implementing new category management frameworks).

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
Experience in Paper or Films is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Champion of Project Nova: Act as the global "North Star" for the Nova transformation within the Chemicals category. Ensure all global chemical initiatives align with the Avery Dennison "Plan to Win" and the Material Groups Global Strategy.
Global Category Architect: Own and drive the 5 Levers Strategic Plan for the $1BN global chemicals portfolio. You will not just suggest strategy; you will build the frameworks that enable regional teams to execute effectively.
Chemical Community Leadership: Lead the "Chemicals Community of Practice." While regional managers do not report to you, you will provide the strategic roadmap, best practices, and technical guidance to ensure global alignment.
Advanced Category Management: Employ the latest thinking in cost modeling (TCO), value stream analysis, and indexing to protect the business from volatility and drive year-over-year productivity.
Supplier Ecosystem Management: Manage top-tier global supplier relationships. Lead high-stakes global negotiations and develop long-term supplier roadmaps that prioritize both cost-competitiveness and supply security.
Market & Geopolitical Intelligence: Serve as the global subject matter expert on chemical feedstocks and market dynamics. Provide the enterprise with the intelligence needed to navigate complex global supply chains.
Innovation & Sustainability: Partner with Global R&D and Marketing to qualify new, sustainable materials and alternative suppliers that create a "first-mover" advantage for Avery Dennison.