Category Manager (Procurement Specialist)

NewMarket; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company funded Pension Plan

401k with company match

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid Vacation

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Identity Theft insurance

Job summary

NewMarket is seeking a Category Manager (Procurement Specialist) in Richmond, VA to ensure uninterrupted, cost-effective supply of raw materials, goods and services across multiple facilities and departments. The role typically handles over $50M in annual spend, shifting towards more strategic procurement (up to 60%).

You will negotiate terms, manage supplier performance, forecast volume and price, and collaborate with R&D, Process Technology and Manufacturing to optimize supply chains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business/Economics/Math/Chemistry or related field
• 7+ years of procurement or related experience with strong negotiation and communication skills
• Experience in procurement or directly relevant sales experience

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supplier relationships to optimize price and supply, manage contracts and SAP data
• Understand market factors for raw materials, products and services and anticipate price changes
• Identify and select sources, explore new suppliers and technologies for advantage
• Prepare and communicate long-term sourcing strategies to support LRPs
• Develop and maintain volume and price forecasts for suppliers and planning
• Monitor quality of materials and service, resolve quality issues with relevant teams
• Collaborate with regional/global teams to maximize strategic purchasing
• Apply strategies to meet business continuity objectives
• Provide market and pricing insights to product/production teams

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Market knowledge

Strategic procurement

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Analytical thinking

Leadership via influence

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field

Advanced degree (MBA/Master's)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Category Manager (Procurement Specialist)

US-VA-Richmond

Job ID: 2026-2769

# of Openings: 1

Category: Purchasing

NewMarket Services

Overview

ABOUT US:

NewMarket Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is the parent company of Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) and Calca Solutions (Calca).Afton is a leading manufacturer and marketer of performance enhancing fuel and lubricant additives with operations around the world.Ethyl distributes gasoline performance additives throughout North America and provides terminal storage and distribution services from its Houston, Texas facility.AMPAC is a U.S. manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries.Calca is the leading U.S. manufacturer of UltraPure and high purity hydrazine most notably used for in-space propulsion by satellites, space probes and other space vehicles. Calca's hydrazine derivatives play a vital role in the manufacture of products used in agricultural, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and industrial applications.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost effective supply of a portfolio of raw materials/goods & services necessary to support Afton business goals and operations including but not limited to production facilities, contract manufacturing facilities, resale operations, R&D facilities and corporate departments.Position is typically responsible for more than $50MM in annual spend with a number of high volume business critical materials, products or services. Generally the % of strategic procurement vs. tactical procurement will increase to 60% in this role. Typically works under direction and guidance.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and manage supplier relationships to negotiate and maintain price and supply conditions ensuring commercial terms are optimized, supply maintained, contracts implemented and managed as appropriate and SAP data maintained.
2. Develop an understanding of the market for the raw materials, products and services purchased and identify the factors which influence availability and pricing (know the buy) ensuring that significant market changes are anticipated, managed and communicated.
3. Identify and select source(s) of assigned raw materials, products and services. Work with the supplier base to identify new sources within existing portfolio and new technologies which may bring advantage to Afton, sponsoring and supporting approvals as appropriate.
4. Prepare, maintain and communicate long term sourcing strategies to support the Long Range Plan (LRP) both within region and at a global level as appropriate to ensure raw material, products and services availability and economics are communicated to and support the needs of the business.
5. Develop and maintain forecasts (volume and price) for use with suppliers and for communication within Afton including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process.
6. Monitor quality and consistency of raw materials, products and services used via the SCS (Supplier Care System) to record quality issues/resolutions. Consult with Process Technology, R&D and Manufacturing and other departments as required, investigating and resolving quality issues quickly and effectively.
7. Collaborate with other Afton purchasing team members on a regional and global basis to identify synergies that will ensure maximization of strategic purchasing initiatives.
8. Employ strategies as appropriate to ensure business continuity objectives are met.
9. Consult with Business Group, R&D, Manufacturing and Process Technology to provide information regarding competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives and quality, service, price and distribution issues.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business, Economics, Math, Chemistry or related field
• Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation and organizational skills typically acquired through 7 or more years of relevant or related experience
• Procurement or directly relevant sales experience

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Advanced degree (Masters or MBA)
• Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant or chemical industry
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification (e.g. CIPS)

For NewMarket, Afton or Ethyl employees, an appropriate combination of experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• High personal credibility and ethics
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of market economics, cost drivers, value chains etc. (ideally within the chemical industry)
• Able to manage conflicting and rapidly changing priorities prioritize effectively and deliver to deadlines
• Effective negotiation facilitation and conflict management skills.
• Self-starter with strong business acumen and the ability to link business goals and market trends to make sound procurement decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build consensus.
• Strong strategic and analytic approach to procurement with knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and practices.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of contract writing and management.
• Demonstrated computer literacy with regard to Afton's routine applications.
• Team-oriented leadership dedicated to continuous improvement, maximizing productivity and effectiveness in the organization, and promoting best practices.
• Effective listening skills.

Working at NewMarket

Who We Are

We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions.We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work

At NewMarket, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits / Compensation

Our employees are our most treasured asset and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis. In addition to the salary listed above, we offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

• 100% Company funded Pension Plan
• 401kSavings Plan including a company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft insurance

Pay Range: $82,000 - $110,000

The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual's race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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