Global Category Manager

Take the lead in crafting and executing a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy for direct spending within the specified category clusters, ensuring that all actions are fully aligned with corporate requirements and guidelines. Your ultimate goal? To achieve exceptional performance across all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and to significantly enhance Envalior's overall success and market position.

Guide and mentor cross-functional teams as they work collaboratively to develop and put into practice an innovative and effective procurement strategy that not only maximizes Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings within these critical categories but also aligns seamlessly with Envalior's established procurement guidelines and objectives.

Proactively identify and address business risks that may stem from single-source dependencies and sudden fluctuations in market dynamics. Additionally, take the initiative to explore every possible avenue and opportunity to ensure the successful implementation of Envalior's strategic objectives, contributing to resilience and adaptability within the organization.

Play a key role in shaping the Direct Spend strategy while being the voice of Direct Spend within the category.

Craft and implement a compelling vision and an approved plan for your category, offering valuable insights to the Purchasing Director as they devise the overarching category plan.

As a key player, you'll be responsible for shaping the vision and strategic direction of your category cluster, fully aligned with Envalior's direct procurement policies and guidelines. Your role includes:

• Defining and validating a comprehensive global sourcing strategy for the category, utilizing the Strategic Sourcing Methodology (SSM).
• Embracing a long-term, strategic mindset to uncover and nurture innovative sourcing opportunities and contractual arrangements.
• Taking charge of internal and external analyses alongside Contract Managers, as you lead a dynamic cross-functional sourcing team.
• Preparing and orchestrating data-driven negotiations to select top-tier strategic suppliers.
• Overseeing contract implementation efforts with COMs and efficiently resolving any arising issues.
• Monitoring and assessing contract compliance and supplier performance, implementing necessary corrective measures as needed.
• Creating and executing a robust risk mitigation strategy across various regions.
• Engaging in supplier audits in collaboration with the Supplier Quality Manager.
  

Lead and inspire cross-functional sourcing teams.

• Kickstart and oversee raw material initiatives aimed at driving cost efficiency and mitigating risks.
• Guide and support team members throughout the strategic sourcing process, ensuring seamless collaboration within the cross-functional sourcing team.
  

Key Account Management for Essential Suppliers

• Serve as the primary contact for senior management of key suppliers to foster strategic partnerships, nurture relationships, and evaluate their performance.
• Forge strong connections with key suppliers by initiating and overseeing comprehensive audits, ensuring vital aspects such as security of supply, competitiveness, quality and compliance, sustainability, innovative advancements, and business commitment are integral to Envalior´s agreements with third parties.
• Spotlight opportunities for contract enhancements and engage in successful re-negotiations.
• Establish and execute a robust (strategic) supplier management process that emphasizes the critical elements mentioned above.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration by ensuring effective communication between Category Managers and COMs within the Category, while providing strategic insights and expertise in the cluster, all while adhering to standardized processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal customers throughout projects, actively gathering and managing feedback regarding the sourcing process to uncover additional cost reduction opportunities.
• Enhance and elevate the Envalior Purchasing profile and recognition across the internal customer landscape.

Foster effective knowledge sharing, collaboration, and seamless communication between our dedicated Category Managers and COMs (Commercial Operations Managers) within the Category. This can be achieved by providing strategic insights that are not only data-driven but also actionable, along with in-depth expertise in specific clusters that will empower team members to make informed decisions. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that all activities are conducted in strict adherence to standardized processes and best practices. This commitment will not only enhance operational efficiency but also facilitate a cohesive working environment that promotes teamwork and collective success.

Manage relationships with internal customers throughout the lifecycle of various projects.

• Facilitate the collection and management of feedback from internal customers, utilizing their respective locations as a framework to enhance the sourcing process. This feedback will be crucial in identifying additional opportunities for cost reduction, ensuring continuous improvement and efficiency in our operations.
• Work diligently to improve and reinforce the Envalior Purchasing profile, elevating its recognition and stature within the internal customer community. By fostering strong relationships and clear communication, we aim to position the purchasing function as a vital partner in achieving our organizational goals.

Requirements

Educational Background: We are seeking candidates who possess either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in business or engineering-related fields. A specialization in chemistry or materials science is highly desirable, as it perfectly complements the requirements of this role.

Professional Experience: Ideal applicants should showcase a strong professional history, with 3 to 5 years of pertinent experience in their chosen fields. This background should reflect a thorough comprehension of industry standards and the ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical solutions.

Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is crucial for efficient communication in our dynamic workplace. Additionally, knowledge of German and Dutch would be a significant advantage, enhancing interactions with stakeholders and clients.

Key Skills: The perfect candidate will exhibit outstanding cross-functional collaboration skills, demonstrating the ability to work harmoniously with diverse teams and departments. Strong stakeholder management capabilities are essential for nurturing beneficial relationships and achieving successful outcomes. A results-oriented approach, combined with strong analytical capabilities, is vital for assessing complex scenarios and making well-informed decisions. Furthermore, exceptional negotiation skills are key, enabling the candidate to handle discussions adeptly and secure favorable agreements.

Benefits

WHY ENVALIOR?

Competitive Compensation:
Join us at Envalior and enjoy competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program and individual performance bonuses, ensuring your hard work is recognized and rewarded. 

Comprehensive Benefits:
Your well-being matters to us. At Envalior, we provide an array of benefits supporting your financial security, health, and overall well-being. This includes retirement plans, health programs, life insurance, and comprehensive medical care. 

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility:
Maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life with Envalior's commitment to supporting your schedule.  

Training & Development Opportunities:
At Envalior, your growth matters. We encourage and invest in your professional and personal development. We support our employees in their growth and personal development through ongoing investment in their knowledge and skills via training, coaching, and mentoring.  

Diversity & Inclusion:
At Envalior, our people drive our success, so it's only right that we provide a diverse and inclusive working environment and foster a culture of belonging, openness, and respect. We value diversity as a cornerstone of our success. We are committed to nurturing and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.

APPLY NOW

Ready to pioneer change with Envalior? Join us in our mission to drive innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Apply today and become a part of our transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.

Submit your application online by sending your CV and motivation letter in English through our career portal. If you have any questions, feel free to connect directly with our recruiter at

Envalior is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at

OUR HERITAGE

With a combined heritage of over 100 years, Envalior brings together two established global materials players: DSM Engineering Materials and LANXESS High Performance Materials. Our unique combined portfolio of longstanding material-, application-, and design expertise enables our customers to develop and launch sustainable future-proof designs. Envalior is the brand new materials powerhouse that was Launched in early

We aim to be a global leader in sustainable and high-performance engineering materials. We imagine the future by shaping the world of today and tomorrow. We're conscious that this is both a privilege and a responsibility – so, when we imagine the future, we're guided by our key values to help us create a better world.