Category Manager

Stepan Oilfield Solutions

Northbrook (IL)

On-site

USD 77,000 - 116,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Parental Leave

Adoption Assistance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Stepan Company in Northbrook, IL seeks a Category Manager to develop and implement indirect procurement strategies, reporting to the Senior Category Manager II. Based at our headquarters, you will drive sourcing across chemical, packaging and service categories and lead RFI/RFP processes.

You will collaborate with legal and internal stakeholders to finalize contracts, monitor supplier performance, and achieve cost savings and value throughout the year.

Qualifications

Exposure to category management, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain activities through education, internships, projects, or professional experience.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to analyze costs, identify savings opportunities, and support financial objectives through experiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis; experience with SAP ERP or similar systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute commercial go-to-market strategies for chemical, packaging and service categories; deliver sourcing value.
Manage procurement process from strategic sourcing to contracting; ensure alignment with category vision.
Lead RFI/RFPs, supplier evaluation and contract negotiations; monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.

Skills

Category management

Procurement

Sourcing

Excel

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, chemical engineering, supply chain management or related field

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Category Manager

Location: Northbrook, IL, US, 60062

Stepan is seeking a Category Manager responsible for developing and implementing indirect procurement strategies. You will report to the Senior Category Manager II and be based at our Northbrook, IL headquarters location.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute commercial go-to-market strategies for chemical, packaging and service categories as assigned by the Senior Manager, and to deliver best in class sourcing value.
Manage the procurement process, from strategic sourcing to contracting, ensuring detailed execution aligned with category strategic vision.
Oversee supplier selection and management whlle maintaining compliance with procurement policies including safety and environmental sustainability.
Partner with Corporate Leadership and internal stakeholders across the organization to develop sourcing strategies for our US stakeholders and manufacturing locations that provide the best overall value to the business and align with company objectives, including helping to define requirements and deliver procurement solutions.
Develop a deep understanding of the overall market and Stepan supply base.
Continually monitor and analyze purchases to optimize sourcing strategies for maximum value.
Lead the process of researching markets, identifying and qualifying suppliers, bidding, negotiating, and developing contracts.
Work with legal to finalize contracts meeting industry regulation and legal requirements.
Manage supplier performance across cost, quality, service, delivery and invoice resolution
Lead RFI/RFPs, supplier evaluation and selection, and risk-aligned contract execution.
Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and service levels to optimize total cost of ownership.
Monitor category and supplier performance, take corrective action and drive improvement.
Analyze industry trends, price drivers and supply conditions to guide sourcing decisions.
Achieve year-over-year value creation including but not limited to cost savings, cost avoidance, rebates and discounts, and optimization of payment terms and inventory.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, fostering partnerships that align with the company's values and quality standards.
Monitor supplier performance and holds regular business performance reviews.
Lead improvement actions as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required

Exposure to category management, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain activities through education, internships, projects, or professional experience.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to analyze costs, identify savings opportunities, and support financial objectives through academic, project, internship, or professional experiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and advanced functionality; experience with SAP ERP or similar enterprise systems preferred.

Preferred

Category direct procurement management experience, ideally in the chemicals, packaging, or contract manufacturing industry.
Sourcing strategy development, negotiation, stakeholder management, contracts management, and supplier performance management experience.
Solid organizational, time management, project management skills, and ability to execute on multiple projects, RFXs, and contract negotiations simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to extract and analyze significant amounts of data and summarize findings or options for leadership.
Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple teams.
Experience in building partner relationships; influencing and communicating with key stakeholders and presenting and gaining alignment with key leaders.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in economics, business, chemical engineering, supply chain management or related field.

Pay Range

$77,300 - $115,500

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

Benefits

Discretionary Bonus
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401K with Match
Profit Sharing
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance
Reactions – Recognition Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90 years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.

Why Work At Stepan?