Global Procurement Category Manager - Chemicals
About The Position
Ecolab is seeking a Global Procurement Category Manager to lead assigned chemical raw material categories and develop and execute global sourcing strategies that deliver business results, ensure continuity of supply, and minimize total cost of ownership. The role works across regions and functions, leads global sourcing associates and regional procurement teams, and advances global procurement priorities. Categories represent approximately $500 million–$600 million in global spend, depending on category complexity. The position is hybrid, with three days onsite in Naperville, Illinois, and relocation to Naperville is supported. It requires flexibility to collaborate across multiple time zones and a minimum of 25% overnight travel. The position reports to the Global Procurement Director.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- 7 years of purchasing experience, preferably supporting raw materials or direct purchasing.
- Strong commercial background and demonstrated international working experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and project management skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and collaborate across regions and time zones.
Nice To Haves
- Strong financial acumen and executive communication skills.
- Professionalism and a strong presence when interacting with others.
- Drive, tenacity, curiosity, flexibility, and focus.
- Ability to challenge the status quo and identify new possibilities and innovative solutions.
- Ability to navigate differing perspectives constructively and drive alignment.
- Commitment to continuous development and willingness to take on new responsibilities.
- Strong commitment to ethical decision-making and doing business the right way.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for assigned chemical raw material categories.
- Lead go-to-market activities, including RFPs, e-auctions, and negotiations, to deliver cost savings, working capital improvements, and supply security.
- Manage 2–3 global sourcing associates across multiple regions and provide leadership to regional procurement teams of approximately 5–8 people across four primary regions.
- Set challenging goals, provide constructive feedback, enable team delivery, and establish effective governance and accountability.
- Support global strategic initiatives focused on continuous improvement in category performance.
- Partner with regional teams to drive consistent messaging, alignment, and execution against key business priorities.
- Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiate contracts, and optimize pricing and quality.
- Strengthen security of supply through sole-source mitigation and contingency planning.
- Partner with R&D and Procurement Business Partner teams to advance portfolio optimization and consolidation.
- Deploy spend strategies using low-cost market sourcing programs and digital tools.
- Apply knowledge of market trends and supplier portfolios to identify marketplace opportunities and innovative approaches.
- Ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and guidelines applicable to chemical categories.
- Drive accountability for P&L impact and achievement of OGSM and business objectives.
- Communicate with and influence regional stakeholders to build alignment with category plans and ensure project execution.
- Champion safety and ethical business practices through personal leadership.
Benefits
- Annual bonus pay based on performance, per plan terms.
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits for associates and their families.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
