Category Manager, Industrial Chemicals & Minerals

Insight Global; Lansing (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking a Category Manager for a chemical manufacturing client based in Lansing, IL. You will develop and execute sourcing strategies for industrial chemical categories, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost-saving initiatives.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement/category management, strong data analysis, negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment. Travel up to 30% and on-site work five days a week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or closely related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of procurement/category management experience in coatings, lubrication, water treatment, adhesives, resins, specialty chemicals, or cosmetic industry
• Strong technical and analytical background with the ability to understand chemical properties, formulations, and raw materials
• Experience sourcing or managing industrial chemical categories
• Experience analyzing spend data, supplier performance, savings opportunities, and supply risk
• Strong negotiation skills and confidence working directly with suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Experience managing cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment while wearing multiple hats
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to travel up to 30%
• Chemical industry experience supporting automotive or OEM manufacturing environments
• MBA or Master's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• SAP purchasing experience
• ISO/IATF Quality Management System experience
• Experience with sustainability initiatives, Scope 3 emissions tracking, or Greenhouse Gas Protocol
• Experience introducing alternative raw materials, suppliers, or formulations
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Prior experience in highly dynamic, entrepreneurial procurement environments

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for industrial chemical and raw material categories
• Manage supplier relationships, cost-saving initiatives, and supply continuity projects
• Lead data analysis including spend reviews, risk assessments, and supplier performance metrics
• Collaborate with operations, technical teams, finance, and external suppliers
• Serve as strategic procurement leader and project manager in a fast-paced environment

Skills

Procurement strategy

Supplier management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Project management

Communication skills

Chemistry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

MBA or Master’s Degree

Tools

SAP

ISO/IATF

Job description

Job Description

A chemical manufacturing client is seeking a Category Manager to join their team! This individual will develop and execute sourcing strategies for industrial chemical and raw material categories while managing supplier relationships, cost-saving initiatives, and supply continuity projects. The role involves extensive data analysis, including spend reviews, risk assessments, supplier performance metrics, market intelligence, and identifying alternative materials or suppliers that maintain product performance while reducing cost. The Category Manager will partner closely with operations, technical teams, finance, supply chain, and external suppliers while serving as both a strategic procurement leader and project manager in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires a strong blend of technical chemical knowledge, business acumen, negotiation skills, critical thinking, and exceptional people skills. This is a full-time position based in Lansing, IL requiring 5 days per week on-site.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or closely related scientific discipline
• 5+ years of procurement and/or category management experience in the coatings, lubrication, water treatment, adhesives, resins, specialty chemicals, or cosmetic industry
• Strong technical and analytical background with the ability to understand chemical properties, formulations, and raw materials
• Experience sourcing or managing industrial chemical categories
• Experience analyzing spend data, supplier performance, savings opportunities, and supply risk
• Strong negotiation skills and confidence working directly with suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Experience managing cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment while wearing multiple hats
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to travel up to 30%
• Chemical industry experience supporting automotive or OEM manufacturing environments
• MBA or Master's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• SAP purchasing experience
• ISO/IATF Quality Management System experience
• Experience with sustainability initiatives, Scope 3 emissions tracking, or Greenhouse Gas Protocol
• Experience introducing alternative raw materials, suppliers, or formulations
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Prior experience in highly dynamic, entrepreneurial procurement environments

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [e-mail].