Strategic Category Manager: Chemicals & Polymers

Optinova Group; Uppsala kommun; On-site; SEK 800,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Job summary

Optinova Group in Sweden seeks a Category Manager who will develop and execute sourcing strategies to secure sustainable, cost-effective materials and services. You will combine chemical/polymer engineering knowledge with commercial judgment to create value through supplier partnerships, risk management, and innovation.

As a key link between Procurement, R&D, Engineering and our plants, you will manage a portfolio of suppliers and categories, drive specifications, RFQs, and negotiations, and

Qualifications

• MSc in a relevant engineering field.
• Proficiency in Swedish and English.
• Experience in Category Management.
• Experience in Strategic sourcing.
• Understanding of manufacturing technologies.
• Cost analysis and should-cost modeling.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Review supplier performance, market developments, raw material prices and risks.
• Shape category strategies and lead sourcing projects from specs and RFQs to supplier selection and negotiations.
• Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers to monitor cost, quality, delivery, sustainability, and improvement plans.
• Use engineering knowledge to assess materials, technologies, supplier capabilities, alternative sources, and total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Factories, Quality, Product Management, and Sales on NPI projects and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Manage contracts, compliance, and mitigation plans for critical suppliers and materials to protect supply continuity.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

MSc in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Advanced Excel

Data analysis

Job description

Optinova Group in Sweden seeks a Category Manager who will develop and execute sourcing strategies to secure sustainable, cost-effective materials and services. You will combine chemical/polymer engineering knowledge with commercial judgment to create value through supplier partnerships, risk management, and innovation.

As a key link between Procurement, R&D, Engineering and our plants, you will manage a portfolio of suppliers and categories, drive specifications, RFQs, and negotiations, and