Category Manager - SOLENIS

We are looking for a Senior Category Manager to lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives across assigned chemical categories. This role combines category strategy, market intelligence, supplier management, and commercial leadership to drive long-term value creation, cost optimization, supply continuity, and business growth.

The position will work closely with Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, Technical, and Global Procurement teams, acting as a strategic partner to ensure procurement decisions support broader business objectives. You will play a critical role in identifying market opportunities, mitigating supply risks, influencing key stakeholders, and delivering data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.

This is a highly visible role that requires strong communication, stakeholder management, analytical thinking, and the ability to influence decisions across a global organization.

Prerequisites

• Experience in sourcing, Product Management, R&D, Process Technology, and/or Production.
• BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or equivalent degree required.
• 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.
• Professional and technical communication skills – ability to communicate with peers, leadership, customers and vendors both via verbal and written communication, as well as 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.
• Ability to work effectively in a geographically distributed organization.
• Fluent English is mandatory.
• Additional Language proficiency would be beneficial.

Address line

Rua Werner Von Siemens, 111, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil, 05069-900

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Analyse 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.

Relevant experiences

Plano Saúde - SulAmerica (20% co-participação 20%) - se estende a dependentes

Plano Odonto Prev - Opcional - se estende a dependentes

Presidência Privada Icatu (1:1)

Seguro de Vida

Vale Refeição mensal : R$430,00

Vale Refeição mensal : R$1.012,00

Convêncio Farmácia com desconto em folha de pagamento: 500,00 ao mês (somente se utilizar)

WellHub

Day Off - dia de folga no aniversário

Auxílio Creche- Filhos de 0 até 2 anos completos

Auxílio Inclusão - Filhos com deficiência

BeYou - Programa de apoio ao colaborador

Vale Transporte

Estacionamento Gratuito

PLR - Conforme Política da empresa (alvo anual de 10%)

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