Category Manager 1

Nouryon; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nouryon is seeking a Category Manager in Houston, Texas, to lead strategic procurement projects with a total annual value of 50 to 100 million USD. You will work with a global procurement team, suppliers, and senior management to drive continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing raw materials.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, and strong analytical and negotiation skills. Travel of 15-20% is expected for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience in strategic procurement and category management.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in international sourcing.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies at a regional or global level.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities and establish total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with a global procurement team and report to the Procurement Director.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Category management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree related to the industry

Job description

About the Role

In your future role as a Category Manager, you will lead strategic product-related procurement projects with a total annual value of 50 to 100 million USD. You will work with a mature global procurement team, suppliers, site planners, and senior management to drive and lead global continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses exclusively on strategic sourcing of raw materials within the Procurement function of the EMEIA region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies at a regional or global level.
• Analyze data, understand interdependencies, and develop strategies that support the business strategy.
• Actively engage with stakeholders from different Business Lines to understand requirements and incorporate them into supplier selection and decision-making.
• Align technical and commercial requirements, secure total costs, and foster long‑term partnerships with key suppliers.
• Identify cost‑reduction opportunities, establish a total cost of ownership approach internally and with external suppliers.
• Improve commercial terms with suppliers and support the company’s financial objectives by minimizing spending.
• Collaborate with a global procurement team and report directly to the Procurement Director of the EMEIA region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience in strategic procurement and category management.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree related to the industry.
• Advanced strategic thinking and extensive negotiation experience.
• Strong analytical skills and comprehensive experience with international sourcing across high‑complexity regions.
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to build robust internal and external relationships.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Travel of 15–20% expected.

EEO Statement

Nouryon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.