Regional Logistics Category Manager

Nouryon; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nouryon is seeking a Regional Logistics Category Manager to optimize logistics agreements across North America. The role involves leading procurement for logistics services, managing supplier relationships, and identifying improvement opportunities in logistics performance.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in business or engineering and at least 5 years of logistics experience. Proficiency in MS Office and knowledge of the chemical industry are preferred. Commitment to safety and continuous improvement is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in logistics or supply-chain activities.
• Strong background in logistics operations, safety requirements, and USA/Canada rail shipping industry.
• Proficiency in relevant methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement of logistics services in North America.
• Assess and benchmark logistics performance.
• Negotiate rail logistics contracts in the Americas.

Skills

Logistics operations

Project management

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s or university degree in business or engineering

Tools

MS Office

Business Warehouse/SAP

SharePoint

Job description

Role Summary

Regional Logistics Category Manager at Nouryon responsible for optimizing and deploying logistics (warehousing and transportation) commercial agreements across the North America region (Mexico, USA, Canada). The role supports the development of a coherent regional logistics plan aligned with each business area strategy and local requirements, leads category management for rail freight, leasing, and bulk warehousing, and drives procurement of logistics services to deliver optimal total cost of ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement of logistics services in North America, including specification, negotiation, contracting, and contract authorization across all businesses.
• Lead logistics regional tenders and strategic sourcing activities.
• Assess and benchmark logistics performance to identify improvement opportunities.
• Model and simulate footprint development and mode selection to ensure cross‑business synergies and benefit capture.
• Create value and deliver financial savings with P&L impact and process optimizations.
• Negotiate rail logistics contracts in the Americas and secure profitable deals.
• Develop short‑ and long‑term leasing strategies to support growth.
• Maintain in‑depth market knowledge and forecasting for rail transportation, warehousing, and fleet management in North America.
• Lead supplier meetings and ensure contracted partners meet agreed service levels and safety standards.
• Lead regional workshops and internal meetings to identify new value‑creation opportunities.
• Lead strategic initiatives for transportation optimizations and risk management for logistics change projects.
• Apply risk‑minimizing techniques to prevent supply disruptions.
• Monitor international logistics capacity and deploy contingency plans to secure supply and optimal costs.
• Use commercial controls to leverage Nouryon’s purchasing power for maximum benefit.
• Collaborate with supply‑chain, manufacturing, business leadership, sales, and procurement stakeholders to align terms, processes, and escalation channels.
• Drive cost reduction and service‑level optimization with strategic suppliers.
• Ensure logistics tools and processes are properly established across all businesses.
• Ensure compliance and deliver continuous logistics improvements, sharing best practices and benchmarks within the company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or university degree in business or engineering.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in logistics or supply‑chain activities.
• Strong background in logistics operations, safety requirements, and the USA/Canada rail shipping industry.
• Knowledge of the chemical industry and dangerous goods products is desirable.
• Understanding of external business trends to drive process standardization.
• Strong project‑management experience, including Lean Six Sigma and other relevant methodologies.
• Proficiency in MS‑Office, Business Warehouse/SAP, and SharePoint environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to listen, handle team tensions, and influence stakeholders.
• Stress resistance, flexibility, and problem‑solving attitude.
• Credibility, trustworthiness, and openness to new ideas.
• Analytical skills and ability to structure issues, run precise analyses, and synthesize recommendations.
• Strong desire for continuous improvement.
• Fluency in Spanish (oral and written).

Travel

Approximately 10% of travel required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nouryon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.