Category Manager-Raw Materials

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Category Manager-Raw Materials based in United States.

The Category Manager-Raw Materials will lead strategic sourcing and supplier management across a broad portfolio of raw materials supporting manufacturing operations. This role will shape category strategies that balance cost, quality, supply continuity, contractual risk, and operational requirements. You will analyze global commodity markets, feedstock trends, capacity shifts, trade dynamics, and other cost drivers to inform sourcing decisions. Working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Finance, you will translate market intelligence and spend analytics into measurable business outcomes. The position also offers the opportunity to lead productivity and sustainability initiatives that strengthen procurement performance and long-term value. Success in this role requires strong commercial judgment, analytical thinking, negotiation capabilities, and the ability to influence stakeholders across functions. This is a strategic procurement opportunity for an experienced professional seeking meaningful ownership of category performance and continuous improvement.

Accountabilities: Develop and execute strategic sourcing and category management strategies for raw materials, ensuring alignment with production requirements, business objectives, and procurement policies.

Negotiate cost-effective supplier contracts while maintaining appropriate service levels, transparency of spending, and effective management of contractual and commercial risks.

Monitor global commodity markets, feedstock trends, supply capacity, trade dynamics, and other market factors to identify cost pressures, supply risks, constraints, and commercial opportunities.

Partner with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to align category strategies with production needs, product development initiatives, financial planning, and organizational priorities.

Analyze procurement spend and market data to identify opportunities for cost reduction, productivity improvement, and enhanced sourcing performance.

Establish and maintain supplier performance management programs, including scorecards, performance reviews, risk monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Contribute to procurement KPIs related to cost productivity, supplier risk, operational performance, and overall category effectiveness.

Lead initiatives designed to improve raw material costs and deliver measurable productivity gains across the procurement portfolio.

Lead sustainability-focused projects, track progress, and document measurable improvements and outcomes.

Support Source-to-Pay process improvement initiatives and help identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows.

Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders while facilitating effective communication, change management, and resolution of complex sourcing challenges.

Provide strategic insights and recommendations to leadership based on market analysis, financial data, supplier performance, and emerging supply risks.

Travel nationally and internationally between the United States and Canada, up to approximately 10%, as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

8+ years of experience in the chemical industry is preferred, particularly in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or category management.

Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is required, along with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Professional training or experience in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or relevant supply chain certifications is preferred.

Strong ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate quantitative and market data to support strategic business decisions.

Demonstrated knowledge of commodity markets, supplier dynamics, cost drivers, and supply risk management.

Proven negotiation, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract management capabilities.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop creative solutions, and mitigate commercial and operational risks.

Strategic business thinking with the ability to connect organizational objectives to category strategies and measurable results.

Proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes, such as cost savings, improved operational efficiency, productivity gains, or other commercial improvements.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Ability to embrace change, facilitate change management, and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Strong organizational, project management, and stakeholder relationship skills.

Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally and internationally between the United States and Canada up to 10%.

Benefits

Base salary range of $115,000–$135,000 USD , with actual compensation based on location, skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors.

Bonus potential and additional incentive opportunities.

Comprehensive benefits designed to support employee health, well-being, and financial security.

Family-friendly benefits supporting employees and their families at different stages of life.

Opportunities for professional development, career growth, and advancement.

A workplace focused on diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and respect.

Employee Resource Groups that provide opportunities to connect, share perspectives, and contribute to an inclusive culture.

Work-life balance initiatives and programs supporting personal and professional well-being.

Remote work environment with approximately 10% travel to and from locations in the United States and Canada.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1