Category Mananger

Solenis LLC; São Paulo; Hybrid; BRL 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Solenis LLC in São Paulo, Brazil, is seeking a Category Manager to own end-to-end procurement categories in the chemical sector. You will develop strategic category plans, lead negotiations, and collaborate with commercial, operations, and technical teams to optimize cost, service, and supply resilience.

The role requires 7+ years of sourcing experience, a technical degree (BS) in a related field, and strong analytical and communication skills to influence senior stakeholders in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 7+ years of sourcing experience, or equivalent technical experience.
• BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or equivalent degree required; MBA, MS, or MSE preferred.
• Must be able to learn quickly and work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the North American chemicals market strongly preferred.
• High level of written and spoken English; additional language proficiency beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead assigned chemical categories end-to-end; strategic SME on market drivers.
• Develop and maintain cost models and forecasting frameworks for price transparency.
• Analyze spend, demand, and market intelligence to optimize cost, portfolio, and supplier mix.
• Lead make-vs-buy analyses, supplier diversification, and long-term value creation.
• Engage stakeholders across functions to align procurement strategies with business goals.
• Lead category RFPs, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance and risk.

Skills

Sourcing experience

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder management

SAP

Data analysis

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

MBA/MS/MSE preferred

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

## Category ManangerApply: Hybrid: São Paulo, Brazil: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 20, 2026 (20 days left to apply): R0033603* 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 pivot tables, v-look, formulas, etc.