Strategic Indirect Sourcing Manager

Westlake Chemical; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical seeks a Category Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for indirect categories, focusing on services and rental equipment/materials across North America. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive supplier consolidation, and manage contracts with preferred vendors.

The role requires extensive experience in manufacturing or petrochemical procurement, strong negotiation and analytics skills, and collaboration across legal, safety, and business teams.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering, B.A. Supply Chain/Procurement, or related field; Master’s degree beneficial.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, refining or petrochemical industries; preferred services or related sourcing experience.
• Knowledge of plant purchasing, plant warehouse and contract negotiations/management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and effective presentation skills.
• Knowledge of petrochemical or other manufacturing industries and related indirect category spend; SAP experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategies for sourcing, procurement and logistics of assigned categories.
• Identify and implement best-in-class sourcing strategies to support continuity of supply, quality, cost and business unit requirements.
• Develop category objectives using KPIs and manage to meet them.
• Utilize strategic sourcing practices to provide the best total cost supply chain solution.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and maintain consolidated strategic supply bases.
• Monitor teams to ensure compliance with established strategies and preferred vendors.
• Direct market analysis for category purchases and assess strategy fit with Westlake’s requirements.
• Develop and implement global category cost reduction strategies addressing material and logistics costs.
• Execute projects reducing category costs contributing to EBITDA.
• Direct development of routine cost forecasts supporting financial plans.
• Recommend processes, systems and reporting for category purchasing activities.
• Collaborate with Legal on contract negotiations and with HS&E for safety/compliance.
• Establish preferred supply base and manage supplier relationships via scorecards.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policy and Sox controls.
• Lead RFX, negotiations, supplier sourcing and compliance for defined commodities.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Master’s degree in Business (beneficial)

Tools

SAP

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Westlake Chemical seeks a Category Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for indirect categories, focusing on services and rental equipment/materials across North America. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive supplier consolidation, and manage contracts with preferred vendors.

The role requires extensive experience in manufacturing or petrochemical procurement, strong negotiation and analytics skills, and collaboration across legal, safety, and business teams.