Senior Indirect Sourcing & Category Leader

Westlake; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake is seeking a Category Manager to lead sourcing for indirect categories, with emphasis on cost reduction, supplier base optimization, and risk management across North America HIP and PEM divisions.

Required: 10+ years in manufacturing/petrochemical procurement, BS in Engineering or related field, strong negotiation and analytics; SAP experience is highly desirable; travel may be required. Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or related field; MS in Business beneficial.
• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing, petroleum refining or petrochemical industries.
• Experience with plant purchasing, warehouse and contract negotiations/management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills; SAP experience highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes sourcing strategies for assigned indirect categories across Westlake North America HIP and PEM divisions.
• Identify best-in-class sourcing practices to support continuity of supply, quality, cost and business unit needs.
• Set and manage category objectives using KPIs and ensure targets are met.
• Lead cross-functional teams to drive a consolidated strategic supplier base.
• Monitor compliance with strategic plans and preferred vendors.
• Direct market analysis to evaluate category strategy against Westlake requirements.
• Develop global category cost-reduction strategies addressing material and logistics costs.
• Manage RFX processes, supplier sourcing, and contract negotiations; ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with Legal and HS&E on contracts and safety/compliance with suppliers.
• Establish supplier scorecards and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Category Management

Negotiation

Supplier Relationship Management

Data Analysis

Cross-functional Leadership

Contract Negotiations

Financial Acumen

Education

B.S. in Engineering, B.A. Supply Chain/Procurement, or related field

Master’s degree in Business is beneficial

Tools

SAP

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Westlake is seeking a Category Manager to lead sourcing for indirect categories, with emphasis on cost reduction, supplier base optimization, and risk management across North America HIP and PEM divisions.

Required: 10+ years in manufacturing/petrochemical procurement, BS in Engineering or related field, strong negotiation and analytics; SAP experience is highly desirable; travel may be required. Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer.