Category Manager

Ascend Performance Materials; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Category Manager – Direct Materials to develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories, including toll manufacturing and catalysts, across our global operations. The role is primarily remote with periodic travel to the Houston area and regional facilities.

You will lead supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to improve supply

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in a related technical field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering with a background in strategic purchasing of services and materials.
• Experience in chemical or petrochemical manufacturing, toll or contract manufacturing, catalysts, raw materials procurement, or polymer/performance materials preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement systems, purchasing policies, procedures, and laws.
• Experience in ERP environments; GEP and SAP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for toll manufacturing and assigned direct material categories.
• Lead commercial management of third-party manufacturing (tolling) partners including supplier selection, onboarding, contract negotiations, and performance management.
• Negotiate manufacturing service agreements, supply agreements, and other commercial contracts supporting assigned categories.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to qualify suppliers and support strategic manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop key strategic supplier relationships and function as the primary communication point between internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts to support category strategies with focus on price, cash flow, reliability, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
• Execute enterprise-wide strategic RFQs.
• Identify opportunities to support sustainability goals and achieve productivity metrics.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Category strategy

Stakeholder management

Project management

Education

BS/BA degree in related technical field

Tools

GEP

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Company Overview

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Position Overview

Ascend is currently searching for a Category Manager – Direct Materials based in our Greater Houston area. As a member of the Procurement organization, this position will develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories supporting our global manufacturing operations. Responsibilities include commercial management of third‑party manufacturing (tolling), catalysts, specialty chemicals, and other assigned direct materials. This position is primarily remote, with periodic travel to our Houston Corporate Office and regional manufacturing facilities as needed. This role will drive category management across multiple manufacturing facilities, lead strategic supplier relationships and contract negotiations, and partner closely with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to improve supply reliability, optimise total cost, and support business growth through strategic supplier partnerships.

Targeted Outcomes

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for toll manufacturing and assigned direct material categories.
• Improve supplier reliability, supply continuity, and commercial performance.
• Develop strong market knowledge of assigned chemical value chains, manufacturing processes, and supplier capabilities.
• Identify and implement metrics, tools, and systems to ensure successful execution of the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Develop strong market knowledge.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders in business, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, and technology to develop key strategic supplier relationships and manage supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories including toll manufacturing, catalysts, and other raw materials.
• Lead commercial management of third‑party manufacturing (tolling) partners including supplier selection, onboarding, contract negotiations, and performance management.
• Negotiate manufacturing service agreements, supply agreements, and other commercial contracts supporting assigned categories.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to qualify suppliers, commercialise new products, and support strategic manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop key strategic supplier relationships and function effectively as the primary communication point between internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts to support category strategies with focus on price competitiveness, cash flow, reliability, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
• Execute enterprise‑wide strategic RFQs.
• Assess and deliver on opportunities to support the company’s sustainability goals.
• Achieve productivity metrics to exceed the annual business plan.
• Support Supplier Quality Management programme, identify and implement key supplier metrics to monitor, measure, and improve supplier performance.
• Ensure standards for ethical conduct are in place and are being adhered to.

Reports To

Procurement Director

Location

Greater Houston Area (Remote). Periodic travel to Ascend manufacturing facilities and the Houston Corporate Office required (approximately 20–30%).

Required Experience

• BS/BA degree in related technical field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering with a background in strategic purchasing of services and materials
• Preferred experience in one or more of the following: chemical or petrochemical manufacturing, toll or contract manufacturing, catalysts, raw materials procurement, or polymer/performance materials industries
• Knowledge of procurement systems and purchasing policies, procedures, and laws
• Experience working in an ERP environment; GEP and SAP experience preferred

Required Skills

• Must exhibit strong communication, analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Category strategy development expertise
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise work and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to drive complex projects to completion within a short period of time
• Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the business
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail with ability to learn quickly
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment – should be able to multitask with proven follow‑through and adherence to changing priorities and deadlines

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognised leader in the nylon6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS. Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision‑making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success. Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

About Us

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high‑quality chemicals, fibres and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer‑lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.