* Own and lead assigned chemical categories end\-to\-end; serving as the strategic subject matter expert by continuously monitoring market drivers, industry trends, supply dynamics, and competitive forces. * Develop and maintain robust Cost Models and Forecasting frameworks that provide visibility into market movements to increase price transparency and enable data\-driven strategic decision\-making. * Analyze spend, demand, and market intelligence to identify opportunities for cost optimization, portfolio rationalization, supplier diversification, and long\-term value creation * Develop and execute forward\-looking category strategies that balance cost, supply resilience, innovation, and risk mitigation while addressing evolving complexities and challenges within the industry, mitigating risk. * Provide both immediate and long\-term strategic recommendations directly to senior leadership, including supplier portfolio strategy, volume allocation, new supplier introduction, and make\-versus\-buy considerations * Engage and influence multiple internal and external stakeholders, aligning cross\-functional priorities and ensuring procurement strategies support broader business objectives. * Partner closely with commercial, operations, supply chain, and technical teams to develop balanced, scalable solutions that meet cost, service, and growth objectives. * Identify insourcing opportunities and lead comprehensive make\-versus\-buy analyses that evaluate total cost of ownership, risk, and long\-term capability development. * Build and manage a preferred supplier network, including: identify, develop, qualify, onboard, transact and collaborate with a high number of suppliers across multiple categories. * Lead complex commercial negotiations and establish long\-term partnerships that enhance competitiveness, innovation, and supply security. * Oversee contract strategy and execution, ensuring alignment on pricing structures, payment terms, volume commitments, performance metrics, and risk management. * Ensure all procurement strategies and supplier engagements align with Environmental, Health \& Safety standards and Responsible Care commitments. * Lead category RFP processes and develop optimized award scenarios that balance total cost of ownership, supply continuity, and strategic supplier positioning. * Evaluate supplier proposals holistically, considering not only pricing but also capability, reliability, innovation, and long\-term strategic fit. * Collaborate with global procurement teams to align category strategies, leverage global scale, and ensure consistency in supplier engagement and sourcing approaches. * Independently lead complex initiatives and strategic projects, driving execution while maintaining a long\-term perspective on category evolution. * Build strong, trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders and key supplier partners. * Communicate strategy, progress, risks, and recommendations clearly and effectively to cross\-functional teams and executive leadership. **Qualifications** * 7\+ years of sourcing experience, or equivalent technical experience (Product Management, R\&D, Process Technology, Production experience preferred). * BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or equivalent degree required; MBA, MS, MSE preferred. * Must be able learn quickly and work in fast paced high\-pressure environment where change is constant and needs to be managed with internal and external stakeholders, customers and suppliers. * The ability to multi\-task with proven follow\-through and adherence to changing priorities and deadlines is required. * Knowledge of the North American chemicals market strongly preferred * High level of proficiency in written and spoken English; Additional Language proficiency would be beneficial. * Strong written and oral communication skills, both Professional and Technical. * Professional communication skills – should be able to communicate with peers, leadership, customers and vendors both via verbal and written communication. * Technical communication skills – ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, findings \& recommendations to all stakeholders. * Ability to influence others to adopt new ways of thinking, change habits, increase engagement, and improve processes. * Strong decision making and problem solving capability, to drive for results, action oriented. * Excellent organization capabilities and project management skills. * Professional and effective facilitation skills – should be able to facilitate group discussions. * Collaborative team player \- should be able to establish solid working relationships with stakeholders. * Ability to work effectively in a geographically distributed organization. * Knowledge of contract and pricing terms and conditions. * Working knowledge of SAP preferred. * Data analysis skills \- Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Power Point and their higher\-level functions such as