Global Category Leader - Direct Materials

Sun-Chemical; Northlake (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merit increases

Paid holidays

Paid Time Off

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) + match

Job summary

Sun Chemical seeks a Global Category Leader for Direct Materials to drive sourcing strategies for resins, solvents, colorants, and additives. You will manage regional/global spend and lead cross-functional teams to optimize value and supplier performance.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of procurement experience, global sourcing in manufacturing/chemical contexts, and strong analytical and negotiation skills; Ecovadis and SAP knowledge are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of procurement responsibility.
• Global procurement/sourcing experience in manufacturing/chemical industries.
• Experience with Ecovadis and SAP is a plus.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage key raw material sourcing categories with regional/global spend.
• Lead category strategy design and ensure regional alignment.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute sourcing strategies.
• Analyze supply markets, supplier economics, and develop TCO programs.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Monitor spend categories and report progress monthly.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Global sourcing

Sustainable procurement

Direct materials

Cost modeling

Negotiation

Cross-cultural collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Career Opportunities: Global Category Leader - Direct Materials (7174)

Requisition ID7174-Posted10/12/2026-Hybrid

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries.Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. With combined annual sales of more than $8.5 billion and 22,000+ employees worldwide, the DIC Group companies support a diverse collection of global customers.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A. For more information, please visit our website at www.sunchemical.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter

Sun Chemical is seeking a Category Leader for Direct Materials to manage sourcing strategies for key raw material spend categories such as various resin chemistries, solvents, colorants, and additives. The role will be responsible for category management and sourcing strategies while identifying and executing productivity initiatives to optimize value and improve service and quality levels.

Functions/Responsibilities:

• Manage key raw material sourcing categories with final accountability for the regional/global spend.
• Lead strategy design for category that includes leveraged negotiations, project creation/facilitation and work closely with all regional leaders to ensure regional requirements are fulfilled and alignment is maintained.
• Lead cross-functional team in the development and execution of sourcing strategies that align with the financial and business objectives of each region/SBU.
• Key contributor to other category teams to ensure business interests are communicated and incorporated in all sourcing strategies.
• Analyze supply markets, supplier economics, supply/demand dynamics, and develop TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) programs.
• Is a change agent in the organization for TCO optimization, i.e., identifying and implementing new low-cost suppliers, make versus buy decisions, drive product standardization, logistics enhancements, and working capital improvements, etc.
• Implement chemical market tracking metrics to generate leading insight into the direction of the major chemical markets.
• Manage database for spend categories. Monitor price change and project progress monthly and report on a timely basis.
• Lead the negotiations and development of key contracts with suppliers, legal, and business stakeholders.
• Define a fully comprehensive category strategy for key raw material categories based on assessments of internal and external markets.
• Possess an in-depth knowledge of Sustainable Procurement and driving corporate strategies to meet sustainability goals and objectives.
• Awareness of industry best practices and emerging trends in Sustainable Procurement, and proactively recommending new initiatives to drive continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of procurement responsibility, including sustainable procurement initiatives in direct raw materials, preferably in a manufacturing/chemical industry environment.
• Experience in global procurement/sourcing with a track record of leading change and cost reduction in cross-cultural environments.
• Experience working with Ecovadis.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, highly organized, and possess excellent problem solving/decision making skills.
• Excellent analytical and business acumen including cost modeling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience with SAP is a plus as well as a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office.

BENEFITS
We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k)+match and life insurance. Eligibility of benefit timing may vary.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is Sun’s policy that applicants for employment are recruited, selected, and hired on the basis of individual merit and ability with respect to the position being filled. Sun prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Note: The base pay range listed is a good-faith estimate of what Sun Chemical may offer to new hires for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), relevant experience, education, certifications, and alignment with the minimum job qualifications. Additional considerations may include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity within Sun Chemical.