Global Category Manager - Basic Chemicals & Intermediates

Arxada; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Arxada is seeking a Global Category Manager to lead the Basic Chemicals & Intermediates category with ~30m CHF annual spend. You will shape strategies, improve total cost of ownership, and collaborate across Business Units, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain worldwide.

Responsibilities include developing global category strategy, market intelligence, supplier management, risk mitigation, and driving cost savings and sustainability in procurement. Fluency in English; German a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Business; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years in strategic procurement, chemical industry, international environments.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and global stakeholder relationships.
• Experience with commodity management, supplier negotiations, contract management.
• Fluency in English; business-level German a plus.
• SAP experience recommended; knowledge of digital procurement tools.
• Commitment to sustainable procurement practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global category strategy for Basic Chemicals & Intermediates, representing ~30m CHF annual spend.
• Build market intelligence by analyzing supply economics, technology trends and cost drivers.
• Act as the primary strategic interface for Business Units and stakeholders.
• Ensure robust supply assurance with risk mitigation and alternate sources.
• Deliver pricing, cost savings and Net Working Capital improvements.
• Lead supplier relationship management including audits and compliance.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in the category.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Procurement processes knowledge

Sustainability procurement

Digital procurement tools

English fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Business

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Job description

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection. With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

As a Global Category Manager you will be a vital contributor to Arxada’s Direct Procurement organization. In this role, you will take accountability for the global Basic Chemicals & Intermediates category, shaping strategies that deliver measurable value, enhance our sustainability ambitions, and strengthen Arxada’s competitive position. You will collaborate cross-functionally with Business Units, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain teams worldwide to secure supply continuity, improve total cost of ownership, and drive impactful sourcing decisions that support Arxada’s growth trajectory.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the global category strategy for Basic Chemicals & Intermediates, representing ~30m CHF annual spend, ensuring alignment with business needs and Arxada’s sustainability objectives
• Build deep market intelligence by analyzing supply economics, technology trends and cost drivers, translating insights into actionable procurement strategies
• Act as the primary strategic interface for Business Units—clarifying requirements, enabling informed decisions and driving proactive stakeholder engagement
• Ensure robust supply assurance: identify risks, develop mitigation plans and support implementation of alternative sources when needed
• Deliver competitive pricing, cost savings and Net Working Capital improvements through structured sourcing and continuous pipeline development
• Lead global supplier relationship management, strengthening performance, compliance and long-term partnerships, including active participation in supplier audits
• Champion continuous improvement by challenging the status quo and identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiency and category excellence

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Chemistry or Business; Master’s degree preferred
• Min. 5+ years of professional experience, ideally in strategic procurement, with strong exposure to the chemical industry and international environments
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, solve complex problems and lead multifaceted procurement initiatives
• Excellent communication skills, with proven success in building global internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Experience across procurement processes including commodity management, supplier negotiations, supplier development and contract management (preferred)
• Fluency in English is required; business‑level German is a plus
• SAP experience is highly recommended
• Familiarity with modern digital procurement tools and sustainable procurement practices

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS)

focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE)

meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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