Global Procurement Category Manager - Raw Materials

Ecolab•Naperville, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ecolab is seeking a Global Procurement Category Manager to support its Global Procurement organization. The role owns a global portfolio of chemical raw-material sub-categories valued at $50–$100 million and develops and executes sourcing strategies to deliver business results, strengthen continuity of supply, and minimize total cost of ownership. The manager partners across regions and functions to drive sourcing, supplier, and category performance. The position is hybrid, with three days onsite at either Naperville, Illinois, or St. Paul, Minnesota. It requires flexibility to collaborate across multiple time zones and up to 20% overnight travel annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
At least 5 years of purchasing experience.

Nice To Haves

Purchasing experience in raw materials or direct procurement, supported by a strong commercial background.
Experience working internationally and effectively in a multicultural environment.
Demonstrated financial acumen and proficiency in executive communication.
Strong project-management, teamwork, communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
Professionalism and a strong presence when engaging suppliers, regional stakeholders, and cross-functional partners.
Ability to create and manage healthy tension, challenge the status quo, and see complex initiatives through to completion.
Curiosity and flexibility to bring diverse perspectives, identify new possibilities, and continually develop new skills.
Technology fluency and interest in using digital sourcing tools, including AI, to improve outcomes.

Responsibilities

Own a global chemical raw-material sub-category spend portfolio valued at $50–$100 million.
Develop global sourcing strategies and lead go-to-market events, including RFPs, e-auctions, and negotiations, to advance cost savings, working-capital improvement, and supply security.
Build relationships with key suppliers, negotiate contracts, and optimize pricing and quality to create organizational value.
Strengthen security of supply by advancing sole-source breaks, contingency plans, and other risk-mitigation actions.
Support global strategic initiatives and continuous improvement in category performance.
Collaborate with regional teams to align messaging, execute projects, and deliver business priorities across multiple time zones.
Partner with R&D and Procurement Business Partner teams to drive portfolio optimization and consolidation.
Connect market trends with supplier portfolios to identify marketplace advantages and generate innovative ideas for competitive advantage.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines for the chemical category.
Champion safety and ethical business practices while driving accountability, P&L impact, and progress against OGSM and business objectives.