Category Manager, Direct Materials Procurement

Quaker Houghton; Kolkata District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Quaker Houghton in India invites an experienced Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing for chemical raw materials, managing a $20M-$30M spend and driving supplier partnerships.

You will shape category strategies, negotiate contracts, and partner with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to deliver cost savings and value while ensuring compliance.

This role offers an international, dynamic team, onboarding, and pathways to impact across the sourcing portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level and above required.
• Minimum 6 years' chemical raw material sourcing experience.
• Experience in developing supplier strategies and programs.
• English language proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing for a $20M-$30M annual spend category portfolio in India for chemical raw materials.
• Develop and execute category strategies balancing cost, quality, sustainability, supply security, and risk.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, including audits, quality control, and performance reviews.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial agreements to maximize value and protect business interests.
• Drive cost savings, productivity initiatives, and category improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supplier landscapes to inform sourcing decisions.
• Lead RFPs, RFIs, supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing supplier performance management.
• Partner closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to support business growth.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and procurement governance standards.
• Serve as the category subject matter expert, providing insights, reporting, spend analysis, and strategic recommendations to leadership.

Skills

Finance and business acumen

Communication skills

Cost savings

Cross-functional collaboration

Chemical sourcing experience

Education

Bachelor level and above

Job description

Join a strategic procurement leadership role as Category Manager driving sourcing excellence across India while supporting a global category portfolio. You will lead supplier partnerships, contract negotiations, cost optimization, quality assurance, and market intelligence initiatives, working closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance. This is an opportunity to shape sourcing strategy, mitigate supply risks, and deliver sustainable value through strong supplier management and data-driven decision-making.

What will you do ?

• Lead strategic sourcing for a $20M-$30M annual spend category portfolio in India for chemical raw materials.
• Develop and execute category strategies balancing cost, quality, sustainability, supply security, and risk.
• Build and manage high-performing supplier relationships, including audits, quality control, and performance reviews.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial agreements to maximize value and protect business interests.
• Drive cost savings, productivity initiatives, and category improvement projects in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supplier landscapes to inform sourcing decisions.
• Lead RFPs, RFIs, supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing supplier performance management.
• Partner closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to support business growth.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and procurement governance standards.
• Serve as the category subject matter expert, providing insights, reporting, spend analysis, and strategic recommendations to leadership.

What is in it for you?

• Excellent onboarding and ongoing training, part of our QH University
• Annual volunteering leave to dedicate to the cause of your choice
• Attractive Wellbeing, Inclusion & CRG programs
• Join an International and dynamic team environment
• Join a market leading company where autonomy and initiative are expected

What are we looking for ?

Education: Bachelor level and above.

Experience: Minimum 6 years' experience in a chemical raw material sourcing role with a successful track record in developing and executing supplier strategies and programs involving supplier partnership-alliance concepts.

Skills:

• Finance and Business Acumen
• Solid communication skills
• Record of driving cost savings and productivity
• Track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Chemical sourcing experience is preferred.

Language: English high level is a must.

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