Senior Category Mananger

Solenis•United States of America, Delaware (Remote), DE

5d•$107,500 - $157,663•Remote

About The Position

Solenis is seeking a strategic and commercially astute Senior Category Manager to lead complex chemical categories and shape sourcing strategies that deliver sustainable value, resilience, and innovation over the long term. This is a high-impact opportunity for a procurement leader who enjoys connecting deep market insight with business priorities, navigating complexity with clarity, and building strong, trusted partnerships. The role is well-suited to someone who thrives in dynamic environments and brings both analytical strength and a collaborative leadership style to their work. As Senior Category Manager, you will own your assigned chemical categories end-to-end, acting as a strategic subject matter expert and trusted thought partner to senior stakeholders. You will develop forward-looking category strategies, guide complex negotiations, and cultivate high-performing supplier relationships that balance cost, supply security, innovation, risk, and responsible practices. You will work closely with colleagues across commercial, operations, supply chain, technical, and global procurement teams, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives while thoughtfully navigating evolving industry and market dynamics.

Requirements

7+ years of sourcing experience or relevant technical experience (e.g., Product Management, R&D, Process Technology, or Production)
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA or MS preferred)
Strong commercial judgment with experience leading complex, high-value negotiations
Demonstrated ability to develop cost models, forecasting frameworks, and insights-driven strategies
Solid knowledge of contract structures and pricing mechanisms
Working knowledge of SAP preferred
Advanced proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas), PowerPoint, and Word
Ability to influence and partner effectively with senior stakeholders across a matrixed organization
Strong planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Comfortable working within a fast-paced, evolving global environment
Clear, thoughtful written and verbal communication skills (additional language skills are a plus)
Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative and inclusive approach

Nice To Haves

MBA or MS preferred
additional language skills are a plus

Responsibilities

Developing and executing integrated, forward-looking category strategies
Building transparent cost models and forecasting frameworks to support informed, data-driven decision-making
Analyzing spend, demand, and market intelligence to uncover optimization opportunities and long-term value creation
Leading make-versus-buy and insourcing analyses using total cost of ownership principles
Shaping supplier portfolio strategies, including volume allocation and thoughtful introduction of new partners
Leading complex RFP processes and structuring award scenarios that balance commercial and strategic priorities
Negotiating commercial agreements and nurturing long-term, trust-based supplier partnerships
Overseeing contract structures, pricing models, performance metrics, and risk mitigation approaches
Building and stewarding a preferred global supplier network
Communicating strategy, risks, trade-offs, and recommendations clearly and confidently to senior leadership
Ensuring procurement strategies align with Environmental, Health & Safety standards and Responsible Care principles
Engage and influence key internal stakeholders across commercial, operations, supply chain, and technical teams to ensure alignment and support for category strategies