Global Category Manager

Hempel Paints Kuwait Company W.L.L.; Darwen; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Hempel Paints Kuwait Company W.L.L. is looking for a Global Category Manager in Darwen, England. This strategic leadership role requires responsibility for market developments and cost optimization initiatives in the paints and coatings industry.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or master's degree in economics, Proven experience in category management with a focus on sustainability, and the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to drive global category performance.

If you are looking to impact the future success of a global initiative, apply today!

Qualifications

• Proven experience in category management with global exposure.
• Expertise in strategy development and value-based pricing methodologies.
• Experience in the Chemicals and Coatings industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise market developments and adjust category strategies.
• Lead cost-optimization initiatives by tracking market trends.
• Oversee all aspects of sourcing to contract activities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Category management

Cost optimization

Supplier negotiations

Analytical and numerical skills

Sustainability focus

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in economics, Procurement, or Supply Chain

Job description

We welcome you to an ambitious and growing global company, where we take pride in what we achieve together. At Hempel, we’re on a mission to double our impact. From decorative paint to marine coatings across the world. To succeed, we need you, your ideas, drive and ambition. We are redefining our global Procurement organization by introducing Global Category Management. This transformation is enhancing our ability to scale efficiently as we continue to grow our business, which is why we are now scouting for a new team of four Global Category Managers. We are seeking for strategic leaders with passion for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for global product or service categories, and the vision to align them with our business objectives. This is your opportunity to play a strategic role and influence the future success of our company. This role involves playing a key part in leading and making decisions on core category strategies, with end‑to‑end accountability in collaboration with sourcing category teams. It offers the opportunity to work with a team with varied strengths of high‑reaching and dedicated colleagues from various backgrounds, providing an outstanding global network.

What can you Look forward to

This role involves taking full ownership of supervising market developments and adjusting category strategies to assemble opportunities for cost and performance optimization. Leading cost‑optimization initiatives by tracking market trends, selecting suppliers, and conducting negotiations in the paints and coatings industry will be crucial.

Additionally, overseeing all aspects of sourcing to contract activities, including tenders, negotiations, and deal closures, is required.

Running the contract portfolio lifecycle, including assessment, optimization, terminations, and re‑negotiations, will be a key responsibility.

Building and handling strategic supplier relationships to achieve targets for cost optimization, sustainability, and supplier performance is crucial.

Collaborating with internal and external partners to support and drive activities aligned with business goals will ensure global category performance are met and outperformed.

To be successful in this role, you will need to

Hold a Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, Procurement, or Supply Chain, and bring proven experience in category management with global exposure. Your expertise in strategy development and value‑based pricing methodologies sets you apart. You possess strong analytical and numerical skills, and you understand the importance of sustainability in a business context. You are proficient in English, and any additional languages you speak are a valuable advantage.

Experience in Chemicals and Coatings industry is a big plus, especially if you have experience within these categories:

• Alkyd & Polyester Resins
• Plasticizers
• Oils and Waxes
• Extenders & Flatteners
• Water Borne Binders and Additives
• Distributor Chemicals

Sounds like a match? Welcome to apply! Click the ‘Apply for position’ button in the top‑right corner and submit your application letter with a CV in English via our recruitment system. For further information about the job, please contact Sander Kemper, [e-mail].

At Hempel, we’re committed to ensuring everyone feels safe, valued and treated equally, creating an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work. We believe that inclusion is key to innovation and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents, we can achieve great things, together.