Procurement Category Manager

Jobtailor; Montvale (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Balchem is seeking a skilled procurement leader to develop and execute sourcing strategies, ensure supply continuity, and drive total cost of ownership improvements across direct spend.

You will partner with cross-functional teams, manage RFIs/RFPs, build cost models, and deliver measurable value through market insight and disciplined execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, finance, operations, business management, engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years procurement experience and at least 3 years of project management experience.
• Strong understanding of direct category management; food ingredients or chemicals industry experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes procurement strategies that drive innovation.
• Ensures supply continuity and optimizes cost.
• Strengthens supplier stewardship across Balchem's direct spend categories in the U.S. and Europe.
• Defines sourcing strategies and manages stakeholder alignment.
• Delivers total cost of ownership improvements through market insight, risk management, and disciplined execution.
• Partners across business units and cross-functional teams to build a best-in-class supplier network.
• Creates an Annual Work Plan and reviews quarterly.
• Leads development and execution of procurement strategies with cross-functional teams, including market analysis and supplier capability assessments.
• Provides market intelligence and category expertise to inform sourcing and business strategy.
• Develops and prioritizes a pipeline of sourcing and value‑creation projects.
• Manages RFIs/RFPs, contracts, SLAs, and related strategic sourcing activities.
• Builds cost models, should‑cost analyses, and make‑versus‑buy scenarios for improving total cost of ownership.
• Partnering with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve cost, quality, service, and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Finance, Operations, Business Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes procurement strategies that drive innovation
• Ensures supply continuity and optimizes cost
• Strengthens supplier stewardship across Balchem's direct spend categories in the U.S. and Europe.
• Defines sourcing strategies and manages stakeholder alignment
• Delivers total cost of ownership improvements through market insight, risk management, and disciplined execution.
• Partners across business units and cross-functional teams to build a best-in-class supplier network.
• Creates an Annual Work Plan and reviews quarterly
• Leads development and execution of procurement strategies with cross-functional teams, including market analysis and supplier capability assessments.
• Provides market intelligence and category expertise to inform sourcing and business strategy.
• Develops and prioritizes a pipeline of sourcing and value‑creation projects.
• Manages RFIs/RFPs, contracts, SLAs, and related strategic sourcing activities.
• Builds cost models, should‑cost analyses, and make‑versus‑buy scenarios for improving total cost of ownership.
• Partnering with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve cost, quality, service, and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Finance, Operations, Business Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of procurement experience and at least 3 years of project management experience.
• Strong understanding of direct category management; food ingredients or chemicals industry experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence in a highly matrixed environment and clearly communicate Procurement strategy.
• Proven track record in partnering with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, model business scenarios, and identify measurable value opportunities.
• Working knowledge of contracts, sourcing processes, and continuous improvement principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Ability to travel 10-30% as needed.