Category Manager

• Own and lead assigned chemical categories end-to-end; serving as the strategic subject matter expert by continuously monitoring market drivers, industry trends, supply dynamics, and competitive forces.
• Develop and maintain robust Cost Models and Forecasting frameworks that provide visibility into market movements to increase price transparency and enable data-driven strategic decision-making.
• Analyze spend, demand, and market intelligence to identify opportunities for cost optimization, portfolio rationalization, supplier diversification, and long-term value creation
• Develop and execute forward-looking category strategies that balance cost, supply resilience, innovation, and risk mitigation while addressing evolving complexities and challenges within the industry, mitigating risk.

• Provide both immediate and long-term strategic recommendations directly to senior leadership, including supplier portfolio strategy, volume allocation, new supplier introduction, and make-versus-buy considerations
• Engage and influence multiple internal and external stakeholders, aligning cross-functional priorities and ensuring procurement strategies support broader business objectives.

• Partner closely with commercial, operations, supply chain, and technical teams to develop balanced, scalable solutions that meet cost, service, and growth objectives.
• Identify insourcing opportunities and lead comprehensive make-versus-buy analyses that evaluate total cost of ownership, risk, and long-term capability development.
• Build and manage a preferred supplier network, including: identify, develop, qualify, onboard, transact and collaborate with a high number of suppliers across multiple categories.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and establish long-term partnerships that enhance competitiveness, innovation, and supply security.
• Oversee contract strategy and execution, ensuring alignment on pricing structures, payment terms, volume commitments, performance metrics, and risk management.
• Ensure all procurement strategies and supplier engagements align with Environmental, Health & Safety standards and Responsible Care commitments.
• Lead category RFP processes and develop optimized award scenarios that balance total cost of ownership, supply continuity, and strategic supplier positioning.
• Evaluate supplier proposals holistically, considering not only pricing but also capability, reliability, innovation, and long-term strategic fit.
• Collaborate with global procurement teams to align category strategies, leverage global scale, and ensure consistency in supplier engagement and sourcing approaches.
• Independently lead complex initiatives and strategic projects, driving execution while maintaining a long-term perspective on category evolution.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders and key supplier partners.
• Communicate strategy, progress, risks, and recommendations clearly and effectively to cross-functional teams and executive leadership.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of sourcing experience, or equivalent technical experience (Product Management, R&D, Process Technology, Production experience preferred).
• BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or equivalent degree required; MBA, MS, MSE preferred.
• Must be able learn quickly and work in fast paced high-pressure environment where change is constant and needs to be managed with internal and external stakeholders, customers and suppliers.
• The ability to multi-task with proven follow-through and adherence to changing priorities and deadlines is required.
• Knowledge of the North American chemicals market strongly preferred
• High level of proficiency in written and spoken English; Additional Language proficiency would be beneficial.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, both Professional and Technical.
• Professional communication skills – should be able to communicate with peers, leadership, customers and vendors both via verbal and written communication.
• Technical communication skills – ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, findings & recommendations to all stakeholders.
• Ability to influence others to adopt new ways of thinking, change habits, increase engagement, and improve processes.
• Strong decision making and problem solving capability, to drive for results, action oriented.
• Excellent organization capabilities and project management skills.
• Professional and effective facilitation skills – should be able to facilitate group discussions.
• Collaborative team player - should be able to establish solid working relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a geographically distributed organization.
• Knowledge of contract and pricing terms and conditions.
• Working knowledge of SAP preferred.
• Data analysis skills - Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Power Point and their higher-level functions such as pivot tables, v-look, formulas, etc.

Why work here?

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation; comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance and a 401(k) plan; and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or in the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

About Us

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.