Strategic Chemical Category Manager — Industrial Materials

Insight Global; Lansing (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking a Category Manager for a chemical manufacturing client based in Lansing, IL. You will develop and execute sourcing strategies for industrial chemical categories, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost-saving initiatives.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement/category management, strong data analysis, negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment. Travel up to 30% and on-site work five days a week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or closely related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of procurement/category management experience in coatings, lubrication, water treatment, adhesives, resins, specialty chemicals, or cosmetic industry
• Strong technical and analytical background with the ability to understand chemical properties, formulations, and raw materials
• Experience sourcing or managing industrial chemical categories
• Experience analyzing spend data, supplier performance, savings opportunities, and supply risk
• Strong negotiation skills and confidence working directly with suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Experience managing cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment while wearing multiple hats
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to travel up to 30%
• Chemical industry experience supporting automotive or OEM manufacturing environments
• MBA or Master's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• SAP purchasing experience
• ISO/IATF Quality Management System experience
• Experience with sustainability initiatives, Scope 3 emissions tracking, or Greenhouse Gas Protocol
• Experience introducing alternative raw materials, suppliers, or formulations
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Prior experience in highly dynamic, entrepreneurial procurement environments

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for industrial chemical and raw material categories
• Manage supplier relationships, cost-saving initiatives, and supply continuity projects
• Lead data analysis including spend reviews, risk assessments, and supplier performance metrics
• Collaborate with operations, technical teams, finance, and external suppliers
• Serve as strategic procurement leader and project manager in a fast-paced environment

Skills

Procurement strategy

Supplier management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Project management

Communication skills

Chemistry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

MBA or Master’s Degree

Tools

SAP

ISO/IATF

Job description

Insight Global is seeking a Category Manager for a chemical manufacturing client based in Lansing, IL. You will develop and execute sourcing strategies for industrial chemical categories, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost-saving initiatives.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement/category management, strong data analysis, negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment. Travel up to 30% and on-site work five days a week.