Senior Leader, Category Management-Raw Materials

Job Description

Position:  Senior Leader, Category Management (Raw Materials)

Primary Location:  Home-Based, USA or Canada

Reports to:  Director, Corp Procurement

Compensation: $160,000-$170,000 USD OR CAD 160,000-170,000 (This is not a direct conversion) 

The range shown reflects the targeted pay scale. Actual pay within the range depends on work location and factors such as skills, experience, and education. Specific salary details can be discussed during the hiring process. Posted compensation reflects base salary only and excludes bonuses, benefits, pension contributions, and other incentives.

At Chemtrade, we deliver innovative solutions focusing on safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. We value and respect all our employees, recognizing that our diverse and talented workforce is the heart of our success. By putting people at the center of our operations, we build strong connections, nurture innovation, and create fulfilling work experiences for all.

The Senior Leader – Category Management – Raw Materials is responsible for developing and executing Chemtrade’s sourcing strategy for all major raw materials supporting manufacturing locations. This includes global market intelligence, long‑term supplier relationships, cost optimization, contractual risk management, security of supply, and cross‑functional alignment with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D and Finance. This role owns the Raw Materials category pillar and ensures the organization has a robust, resilient, and cost‑competitive raw materials supply base. The Senior Leader serves as a strategic business partner to internal stakeholders and a senior point of engagement for key global suppliers. Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical capability, and cross‑functional influence are essential to deliver cost savings, supply reliability, and risk mitigation consistent with corporate objectives.

Position Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business, or related field
• 10+ years’ experience in the chemical industry is preferred
• Training/experience in six sigma, lean manufacturing or other professional supply chain certification is preferred
• Strong capability in cost modeling, commodity analysis, and global market intelligence for raw materials.
• Advanced proficiency using office equipment and office software (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with ERP systems (i.e., SAP) required
• Advanced expertise in specialized areas relevant to the role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and at all levels within the organization
• Experience in leading and managing complex multi-disciplinary projects, programs or business units, delivering measurable results and driving operational excellence
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop creative solutions and mitigate risks; strong strategic thinking and business insight with the ability to understand and align organizational goals with departmental objectives and drive results
• Proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes (i.e., cost savings, market share growth or improved operational efficiency)
• Must have a valid driver license and ability to travel nationally and internationally (to/from the United States) up to 10%

Responsibilities

Lead Raw Materials Category Strategy and Execution – 60%

• Develop and communicate the long‑term strategic vision for Raw Materials category management.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with global raw material suppliers focusing on quality, cost, service, sustainability, and supply assurance.
• Establish clear governance, decision rights, and operating mechanisms for category decision‑making.
• Set annual cost‑reduction and cost‑avoidance targets leveraging unit cost optimization, TCO methodology, and market‑driven opportunities.
• Align resource allocation and prioritization across category projects, negotiations, and value‑improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracting standards, and corporate governance guidelines.
• Maintain market competitiveness through deep understanding of global commodity markets, feedstock trends, capacity shifts, trade dynamics, and cost drivers.
• Partner with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to align category strategies with production requirements, product development, and budget planning.
• Monitor global raw material markets to identify risks, supply constraints, and commercial opportunities for Chemtrade.
• Leverage spend analytics to identify improvement opportunities and drive continuous cost and productivity outcomes.
• Implement supplier performance management, scorecards, and continuous improvement programs.
• Represent Procurement as the Raw Materials category expert in cross‑functional leadership forums.
• Contribute to Corporate Procurement KPIs including cost productivity, supplier risk metrics, and operational performance

Support cross-collaboration among different corporate teams                                                     25%

• Ensure tight integration between Category Management, Site Buyers, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to deliver end‑to‑end raw materials strategies.
• Enable execution of category strategies at site level by ensuring appropriate tools, communication, and alignment.
• Identify cross‑site opportunities and aggregate Chemtrade purchasing leverage for raw materials.
• Support rollout of Procurement’s operating model, ensuring capability development and adherence to standardized processes.
• Ensure structured and timely decision‑making across stakeholders.

Represent Procurement in Business Meetings                                                                                  5%

• Prepare category management metrics, lead meetings, provide follow-up
• Work closely with procurement and supply chain leadership to formalize and articulate assumptions and performance
• Work closely with Supply Chain team in preparation for productivity review meetings to ensure appropriate representation, input and participation during this meeting

Personnel Management                                                                                                                      10%

•     Exemplify strong leadership qualities by inspiring and guiding team members through effective communication, collaboration and the ability to influence positive outcomes

•     Analyzing workforce trends and needs to align staffing levels with business goals, making decisions about hiring and restructuring as needed

•     Onboarding direct reports to ensure smooth integration into the company

•     Setting clear performance expectations, conducting performance reviews, providing feedback and addressing performance issues; developing performance improvement plans when necessary

•     Identifying training needs and supporting employees in acquiring new skills and knowledge to enhance their job performance and career growth

•     Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to create a diverse and equitable workplace

•     Cultivate a culture of appreciation by acknowledging and celebrating team members' achievements, promoting motivation and job satisfaction

•     Addressing workplace conflicts and disputes promptly and fairly, promoting open communication and resolving issues to maintain a harmonious work environment

•     Promoting a safe working environment, assisting in developing safety protocols and addressing health and safety concerns

What Chemtrade Offers You

Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results

At Chemtrade we are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities, skills, and experiences of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to drive our business forward, and see our diversity as one of our greatest strengths.

To foster an inclusive environment, we actively encourage the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are open to all employees. These employee-driven groups provide platforms for employees to share their perspectives, contribute their ideas, and help shape our inclusive and respectful culture and provide vital platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Together, we strive to build a workplace that recognizes and celebrates the diverse voices within our organization. We recognize the value of Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. 

Join us in our journey towards building an inclusive workplace that promotes the personal and professional development of our employees.

Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and their families.  That is why we proudly offer a range of family-friendly benefits, and opportunities for career growth and advancement. 

We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally.  Join us and be a part of a company that values diversity, inclusion and the well-being of its employees

Learn more about Chemtrade by following us on LinkedIn or Facebook and check us out on YouTube: Chemtrade

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