Feedstock Category Manager

OXEA

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision

Health Fund for health and dependent c

Disability Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

Work/Life Balance

Paid Time Off

401(k) with match

Job summary

OXEA Corporation, a global manufacturer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals, seeks a seasoned Feedstock Category Manager in the United States to drive regional sourcing and risk management for raw materials.

You will collaborate across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Planning, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Logistics to translate sourcing strategies into commercial terms and supplier partnerships.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
CPSM/CIPS/APICS certification preferred.
5+ years in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement within manufacturing or chemicals.
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle; Incoterms knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies for feedstock to ensure supply security and cost competitiveness.
Coordinate with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Planning, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Logistics.
Lead sourcing events, tenders, and contract negotiations with suppliers.
Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and costs.
Develop and monitor procurement KPIs and risk management programs.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier relationship management

Contract negotiation

Forecasting & budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, SCM, business, economics, or finance

Procurement certification (CPSM, CPSD, CIPS, APICS, or equivalent) preferred

Tools

SAP or Oracle ERP

Job description

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OXEA is a global manufacturer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals with around 1,200 employees worldwide. Our products are used in various applications such as paints and coatings, lubricants and functional fluids, and personal care products.

Location: Houston, US, 77056

Mobile work possible?: yes, hybrid

Entry Date:

Employment type: Full time

OXEA Corporation Company Overview | World leader in Oxo Chemicals

Oxo products are the core competency of OXEA Corporation. We are producing more than 70 oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives for customers in a wide range of industries with various end market applications. Our chemicals are important ingredients in products that are used in daily life around the world. "We" refers to more than 1,200 OXEA employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, and China, we produce intermediates and derivatives.

Position Summary

The Feedstock Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing regional strategic sourcing initiatives and risk management strategies for Raw Materials in the United States. This role drives procurement strategies that ensure a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective supply of raw materials while supporting production requirements and business growth.

Working cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Planning, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Logistics, the Category Manager translates sourcing strategies into commercial agreements, purchase orders, and supplier partnerships that optimize cost, quality, service, and supply continuity. The position requires strong market intelligence, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, forecasting, and category management expertise.

The Category Manager operates in alignment with company values, procurement policies, safety and environmental standards, applicable regulations, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing

Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for assigned feedstock categories that support business objectives and long-term supply security.
Build reliable, sustainable, and cost-efficient sourcing strategies in collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, Manufacturing, and regional leadership.
Evaluate global and regional supply markets to identify opportunities for supplier diversification, cost optimization, and risk mitigation.
Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to enhance supply resilience and competitive sourcing.
Lead sourcing initiatives, competitive bidding events, and tender processes.
Negotiate commercial terms, pricing agreements, and long-term supply contracts that maximize value while ensuring supply continuity.
Manage strategic supplier relationships and conduct regular supplier performance evaluations.
Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, delivery performance, service levels, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support supplier audits and ensure compliance with company standards and procurement policies.
Continuously monitor feedstock markets, including upstream and downstream industry trends, pricing movements, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical risks.
Assess market conditions to proactively identify opportunities and mitigate supply disruptions resulting from plant turnarounds, scheduled maintenance, force majeure events, or other market changes.
Develop recommendations that support sourcing decisions and business planning.

Forecasting & Business Planning

Prepare monthly procurement forecasts and rolling 18-month demand forecasts.
Participate in monthly forecasting and business review meetings.
Develop market analyses, reports, dashboards, and executive presentations to support strategic decision-making.
Support budgeting activities and procurement planning.
Identify and implement initiatives that reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining quality and service expectations.
Develop and monitor procurement KPIs to measure supplier performance, cost savings, supply reliability, and category effectiveness.
Lead or participate in strategic business growth and capital projects requiring procurement support.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain operations.

Compliance & Governance

Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, quality standards, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) requirements.
Support internal and external audits.
Assist in maintaining procurement procedures and Integrated Management System (IMS) documentation.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline.
Professional procurement certification (CPSM, CPSD, CIPS, APICS, or equivalent) is preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain management within manufacturing, chemicals, petrochemicals, or industrial environments.
Proven experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing supplier relationships.
Experience leading sourcing events, tenders, and contract negotiations.
Knowledge of logistics, transportation, Incoterms, and international shipping practices.
Experience analyzing commodity markets and supply-demand trends.
Experience supporting forecasting, budgeting, and procurement planning.
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle is preferred.

Core Competencies

Strategic sourcing, category management, and Supplier relationship management
Contract negotiation and commercial acumen
Commodity and market analysis
Cost modeling and total cost of ownership analysis
Risk management and supply continuity planning
Forecasting and analytical skills
Strong analytical and financial modeling capabilities
Cross-functional collaboration
Project management
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced global environment
Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
Results-oriented with a bias for action.
Strong project management and execution capabilities.
High degree of integrity, accountability, and ownership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Annual savings and value creation delivery.
Energy procurement performance versus market benchmarks.
Hedging effectiveness and commodity risk mitigation.
Industrial gas cost competitiveness and supply reliability.
Catalyst and metals cost optimization.
Supplier performance and strategic relationship development.
Contract compliance and coverage.
Supply continuity and risk management.
Sustainability and ESG objectives.

Strategic Impact

The U.S. Feedstock Category Manager plays a critical role in managing some of the company's most strategically important and high-value raw material spend categories. By developing best-in-class sourcing strategies, optimizing supplier relationships, and implementing effective market intelligence and commodity risk management programs, this position directly contributes to manufacturing continuity, cost competitiveness, EBITDA improvement, supply security, and long-term competitive advantage across the company's U.S. manufacturing network. Through proactive management of feedstock markets, supplier performance, and total cost of ownership, the role ensures a reliable, resilient, and sustainable supply base that supports the company's operational and growth objectives.

All Employees are invited to participate regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, disability or veteran status, and any other criterion prescribed by law.

OXEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.