Category Manager, Plant Materials

Purpose/Introduction

The Plant Materials Category Manager has oversight of all strategic procurement functions related to materials and equipment used by CPChem plants globally. This position manages a group of eight Category Specialists as well as owning and managing high profile categories, ensuring coverage for all subcategories within Plant Materials. Related activities include supplier and stakeholder relationship management, spend analysis, supply base optimization, devising and implementing category strategies, contract management (Ariba), as well as identifying and pursuing maximum value while minimizing risk. This position will provide oversight to the Plant Materials team as well as regularly participate in complex negotiations. This position will maintain contracting processes and strategies consistent with CPChem policies and guidelines. The Plant Materials Category Manager reports to the Strategic Procurement Manager and will be located at Lakeside in The Woodlands, TX.

Responsibilities

• Ensures strategic sourcing activities for more than 75 subcategories are effectively executed, whether directly or indirectly responsible
• Manages, mentors, and develops group of 8 Category Specialists
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, OEM’s and stakeholders
• Sourcing Expert / Subject Matter Expert for all Plant Material categories, keeping abreast of market conditions, trends best practices and leading contractors/suppliers within the category
• Ultimate responsibility for Strategic Vision (setting strategies) across all Plant Material categories
• Responsible for leading the RFP process for categories including defining stakeholder requirements, performing spend analysis, financial due diligence, analysis of corporate compatibility, preparing and issuing bid proposals/packages, acting as the single point of contact for communications, leading supplier evaluations and scoring process, and final supplier selection in conjunction with stakeholders
• Effectively negotiates commercial pricing, labor rates, equipment rental rates, materials/equipment mark-ups, and terms and conditions
• Responsible for executing complex local, regional, national, and global agreements, contract amendments, renewals, and extensions as well as managing effective contract administration in accordance with Procurement Policy, Procedures and Controls
• Develop and implement supplier relationship management programs with key suppliers to optimize the relationship and generate value for both parties
• Promotes and upholds CPChem’s commitment to safety both internally and with our suppliers and contractors

Core Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (clear, concise and result-oriented)
• Strong business acumen / able to independently make business decisions
• Ability to develop and implement strategic vision
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Proficient with contract Terms and Conditions for material/equipment as well as services

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management or related field required
• Minimum of 8 years relevant experience (procurement, manufacturing, commercial, supply chain in the chemical or petrochemical industry)
• Excellent communication skills 
• Strong analytical skills 
• Contract development and negotiation experience 

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with contract Terms and Conditions for material/equipment as well as services
• Prior supervisory experience