Global Procurement Category Manager - Chemicals

Ecolab Inc.•Naperville, IL

3d•$133,700 - $200,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Ecolab is seeking a Global Procurement Category Manager to support its global procurement organization. Reporting to the Global Procurement Director, this role leads assigned chemical raw material categories and develops and executes global sourcing strategies to deliver business results, maintain continuity of supply, and minimize total cost of ownership. The position works across regions and functions, leads global sourcing associates and regional procurement teams, and advances key business priorities. The role manages categories representing approximately $500M–$600M in global spend, depending on category complexity. It leads sourcing events and negotiations, develops supplier relationships and contracts, strengthens supply security, and supports portfolio optimization, continuous improvement, and digital sourcing initiatives. The position is hybrid, with three days onsite in Naperville, Illinois, and requires flexibility to collaborate across time zones and a minimum of 25% overnight travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, or a related field.
Seven 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, with demonstrated 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 representing approximately $500M–$600M in global spend, depending on category complexity.
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, support 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 business priorities.
Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiate contracts, and optimize pricing and quality to create organizational value.
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 for competitive advantage.
Ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and guidelines applicable to chemical categories.
Demonstrate financial acumen and 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.