Global Category Manager (Direct Procurement)

Join Envalior – Imagine The Future!

Are you interested in shaping a global procurement strategy that directly impacts Envalior’s performance?

In this role, you will drive the strategy and execution for Direct Spend across key category clusters, ensuring full alignment with corporate requirements and delivering strong results across all KPIs.

You will lead cross‑functional teams to develop and implement category strategies that maximize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings and strengthen Envalior’s competitive advantage. Additionally, you will identify and mitigate supply risks—such as single‑source exposure and shifting market dynamics—while creating opportunities to successfully execute our procurement and business strategies.

You will make key contributions to Envalior:

• Contribute to the Direct Spend strategy development and represent Direct Spend in the Category.
• Develop and deploy vision and approved plan for his/her category and provide input to Purchasing Director when developing the category plan.
• Responsible for developing the vision and category strategies for respective category cluster in line with overall Envalior direct procurement policy and guidelines:
• Define and validate the global sourcing strategy for the Category, using Strategic Sourcing Methodology (SSM)
• Take a strategic and long-term view in identifying and developing innovative sources and contractual arrangements / Accountable for internal and external analysis in collaboration with Contract Managers, as chairman of a cross-functional sourcing team
• Prepare and lead fact-based negotiation and select strategic suppliers
• Direct contract implementation activity with COM’s and resolve issues.
• Manage/evaluate contract compliance, and supplier performance and take necessary corrective actions.
• Develop and ensure implementation of risk mitigation strategy in the various regions.
• Participate in supplier audits with Supplier Quality Manager
• Define and lead cross-functional sourcing teams:
• Initiate and manage raw material projects in order to achieve cost savings and manage risk.
• Provide team members with direction and support throughout the steps and activities of the strategic sourcing process and facilitate the collaboration within the cross-functional sourcing team.
• Key account management for Key suppliers / Develop and manage relationship with key suppliers and track their performance:
• Be first point of contact for Key Supplier top management to build strategic partnership, manage relationship and assess their performance / Establish relationship with key suppliers.
• Initiate and conduct key supplier audits and secure key elements of the SPE (security of supply, competitiveness, quality/compliance, sustainability, innovation/technical improvements, business commitment) in DSM’s agreements with third parties.
• Identify potential contract improvement opportunities & re-negotiations.
• To secure key elements of the SPE (security of supply, competitiveness, quality/compliance, sustainability, innovation/technical improvements, business commitment) in DSM’s agreements with third parties
• Define and implement (strategic) supplier management process.
• Manage knowledge sharing, collaboration and proper communication between Category managers and COM’s within Category by providing strategy and deep cluster expertise and ensure the use of standardized processes.
• Manage relationship with internal customers during projects.
• Collect and manage internal customers (using locations) feedback on the sourcing process to identify further cost reduction opportunities.
• Improve and reinforce the Envalior Purchasing profile and recognition within the internal customer community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering or related fields. Specialization in chemistry/material science would be preferred.
• 5 to 10 years of professional experience.
• Leadership experience is a plus.
• Cross function collaboration knowhow.
• Stakeholder management skills.
• Results- oriented and strong analytical mindset.
• Excellent negotiation skills.

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 Anne Thomas at anne.thomas@envalior.com

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 Talent.Acquisition@Envalior.com.

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 2023. 

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.