Sr Category Manager - Raw Materials (Chemicals)
Senior Category Manager - Raw Materials
Location: United States (Hybrid/On-site options may be available) *Preference for Chicago, Dallas, or Detroit due to major operating hubs. Hybrid flexibility across any major manufacturing sites in US.*
Overview
A leading industrial organization is seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager - Raw Materials (chemicals) to lead strategic sourcing for a high‑value raw materials portfolio exceeding $400M in annual spend. This role has broad visibility across operations and senior leadership and plays a critical role in driving cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and supplier performance across a complex manufacturing environment. This role will own category strategy end‑to‑end, balancing commercial results with risk management, supplier development, and cross‑functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Own overall category strategy and deliver measurable cost savings and value improvements
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across a large, complex raw materials portfolio, specifically for cement and concrete production
- Develop and execute enterprise category strategies aligned with business, operational, and risk objectives
- Manage supplier relationships, including selection, qualification, performance management, and development
- Lead competitive sourcing events (RFQs/RFPs) and conduct high‑impact commercial negotiations
- Monitor market dynamics across raw materials, cost drivers, supply/demand trends, and capacity constraints
- Proactively mitigate supply risk, including reducing single‑source dependencies
- Partner closely with nation-wide manufacturing sites to resolve supply disruptions and quality issues
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations, R&D, Quality, Legal, Finance, and Commercial teams
- Negotiate and implement supplier agreements in coordination with legal stakeholders
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to improve cost, quality, and service
- Support supplier audits in alignment with internal quality and compliance standards
- Provide regular executive‑level updates on category performance, risks, and opportunities
- Present cost‑reduction initiatives, process improvements, and realized benefits to plant leadership
- Maintain accurate data and documentation within procurement and ERP systems
- Support new supplier onboarding, material approvals, and system setup related to new products, transfers, or acquisitions
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field
- 8+ years of progressive experience in procurement or strategic sourcing
- 5+ years of sourcing experience specific to chemicals, raw materials, cement and concrete production
- Extensive experience sourcing raw materials and/or chemicals
- Background in Building Materials, Chemicals, or industrial manufacturing strongly preferred
- MBA or advanced degree is a plus
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