Strategic Direct Materials Manager (Remote)

Ascend Performance Materials; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Category Manager – Direct Materials to develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories, including toll manufacturing and catalysts, across our global operations. The role is primarily remote with periodic travel to the Houston area and regional facilities.

You will lead supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to improve supply

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in a related technical field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering with a background in strategic purchasing of services and materials.
• Experience in chemical or petrochemical manufacturing, toll or contract manufacturing, catalysts, raw materials procurement, or polymer/performance materials preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement systems, purchasing policies, procedures, and laws.
• Experience in ERP environments; GEP and SAP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for toll manufacturing and assigned direct material categories.
• Lead commercial management of third-party manufacturing (tolling) partners including supplier selection, onboarding, contract negotiations, and performance management.
• Negotiate manufacturing service agreements, supply agreements, and other commercial contracts supporting assigned categories.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to qualify suppliers and support strategic manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop key strategic supplier relationships and function as the primary communication point between internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts to support category strategies with focus on price, cash flow, reliability, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
• Execute enterprise-wide strategic RFQs.
• Identify opportunities to support sustainability goals and achieve productivity metrics.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Category strategy

Stakeholder management

Project management

Education

BS/BA degree in related technical field

Tools

GEP

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Category Manager – Direct Materials to develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories, including toll manufacturing and catalysts, across our global operations. The role is primarily remote with periodic travel to the Houston area and regional facilities.

You will lead supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to improve supply