Remote Category Manager - Direct Materials & Tolling

Ascend Performance Materials; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Category Manager – Direct Materials to lead sourcing strategies for toll manufacturing, catalysts, and other direct materials for its global manufacturing operations. This role is primarily remote with periodic travel to the Houston area and company sites.

The ideal candidate has a BS/BA in a technical field and at least 8 years of procurement or engineering experience, including ERP systems and experience with SAP or GEP.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a relevant technical field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering with strategic purchasing experience.
• Experience in chemical or petrochemical manufacturing, toll or contract manufacturing, catalysts, raw materials procurement, or polymer materials industries preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement systems, policies, procedures, and laws.
• Experience working in an ERP environment; SAP and/or GEP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for direct material categories, including toll manufacturing and catalysts.
• Lead commercial management of third-party manufacturing (tolling) partners, including supplier selection and contract negotiations.
• Negotiate manufacturing service and supply agreements to support categories.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to qualify suppliers and support strategic initiatives.
• Establish strong relationships with internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers; manage supplier performance.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Category strategy

Project management

Education

BS/BA degree in a related technical field

Tools

SAP

GEP

Job description

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Category Manager – Direct Materials to lead sourcing strategies for toll manufacturing, catalysts, and other direct materials for its global manufacturing operations. This role is primarily remote with periodic travel to the Houston area and company sites.

The ideal candidate has a BS/BA in a technical field and at least 8 years of procurement or engineering experience, including ERP systems and experience with SAP or GEP.