Strategic Senior Category Leader, Indirect Procurement

Westlake; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake is seeking a Sr Category Manager (Indirect Procurement) to develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for indirect categories. The role will manage categories, preferred vendors, and negotiate contracts while evaluating market conditions for opportunities and risks to the company.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive cost reduction initiatives, and collaborate with Legal and HS&E to ensure safety and compliance across supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering or B.A. in Supply Chain/Procurement; Master’s degree in Business beneficial.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, petroleum refining or petrochemical industries; indirect goods experience preferred.
• Knowledge of plant purchasing, plant warehouse and contract negotiations/management.
• Strong written & verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel skills; SAP experience is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of petrochemical industries and related category spend.
• Business management skills including strategy development and financial understanding.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence across levels.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategies for the sourcing, procurement and logistics of assigned categories for Westlake North America HIP (Housing & Infrastructure Products) and PEM (Performance & Essential Materials) divisions.
• Identifies and implements best in class sourcing strategy and practices which support continuity of supply, quality, cost and business unit requirements.
• Develops and implements category objectives using key performance indicators and manages them to meet KPI targets.
• Utilizes strategic sourcing practices to provide the best total cost supply chain solution.
• Establishes and leads cross-functional teams to develop and maintain consolidated strategic supply base.
• Facilitates and monitors cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with strategic directions and preferred vendors.
• Directs market analysis for historical and future category purchases and evaluates whether strategy meets volume, quality, and total delivered cost needs.
• Develops and implements global category cost reduction strategies addressing material, logistics, and quality.
• Executes projects leading to reductions in category costs contributing to EBITDA.
• Directs development of routine category cost forecasts.
• Recommends processes, systems and reporting for category purchasing activities.
• Collaborates with Legal on contract negotiations and with HS&E and regulatory SMEs for safety and compliance.
• Establishes a preferred supply base and manages supplier relationships via scorecards/reviews.
• Understands policy and ensures compliance including Sox controls and DOA.
• Leads RFX, negotiations, supplier sourcing, contract negotiations and compliance for defined commodity groups.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Education

B.S. in Engineering

B.A. Supply Chain/Procurement

Master’s degree in Business (beneficial)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Westlake is seeking a Sr Category Manager (Indirect Procurement) to develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for indirect categories. The role will manage categories, preferred vendors, and negotiate contracts while evaluating market conditions for opportunities and risks to the company.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive cost reduction initiatives, and collaborate with Legal and HS&E to ensure safety and compliance across supplier relationships.