Category Manager (Relocation Package)

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Direct Hire

Location: Richmond, VA 100% - Onsite

Our client is a premier, globally recognized parent corporation operating across the chemical, aerospace, defense, and specialty materials industries.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager/Procurement Specialist to ensure the continuous, cost-effective supply of a critical portfolio of raw materials, goods, and services. In this role, you will support global operations across production plants, contract manufacturing sites, R&D centers, and corporate business units.

The position manages a major portfolio with an annual spend exceeding $50 million, consisting of high-volume, business-critical materials. The ideal candidate will focus heavily on strategic sourcing, with the role balanced at approximately 60% strategic and 40% tactical procurement.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier & Contract Management: Cultivate and manage key supplier relationships. Negotiate pricing, terms, and supply agreements to maximize commercial value, guarantee supply continuity, and maintain accurate data within the corporate ERP system.
• Market Analysis: Maintain a deep understanding of relevant raw material markets and global supply chains. Track external factors influencing availability and pricing to proactively anticipate and communicate market shifts.
• Sourcing Strategy: Identify, evaluate, and select strategic supply partners. Partner with the vendor network to discover innovative technologies and new supply sources that provide a competitive advantage.
• Long-Term Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies aligned with the company’s multi-year global and regional business plans.
• Forecasting & Budgeting: Formulate accurate volume and pricing forecasts for internal corporate planning and annual budgeting processes, while coordinating expectations directly with suppliers.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor vendor performance and product consistency using internal quality tracking systems. Collaborate closely with Process Technology, R&D, and Manufacturing teams to rapidly resolve any supplier quality issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with regional and global procurement colleagues to leverage organizational synergies and maximize the impact of strategic corporate initiatives.
• Risk Mitigation: Implement robust business continuity and risk-management strategies to safeguard the supply chain against disruptions.
• Business Intelligence: Provide actionable market insights, competitive analysis, and regulatory updates to internal business units, manufacturing leadership, and research teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, Economics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or a related field of study.
• Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience in corporate procurement, strategic sourcing, or highly relevant B2B industrial sales.
• Core Skills: Proven negotiation track record, strong communication skills, and exceptional organizational capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree such as a Master’s or an MBA.
• Direct procurement experience within the chemical, petroleum additive, or lubricant manufacturing industries.
• Professional supply chain certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent).

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Uncompromising professional ethics and high personal credibility.
• Deep comprehension of market economics, cost structures, and value chains—ideally within chemical processing markets.
• Strong agility with the ability to manage fluid priorities and deliver on strict timelines.
• Excellent conflict resolution, consensus-building, and relationship management skills.
• Data-driven, analytical mindset with strong business acumen to link market trends to procurement strategies.
• Solid understanding of corporate contract drafting and contract management principles.
• Proficiency with standard corporate productivity applications and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.