Regional Category Manager - Oleochemicals & Surfactants - Quaker Houghton

Company Overview:

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of chemical specialties, process fluids, lubricants, and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial companies and to this day our experience and expertise show in the actions and dedication of our Associates worldwide. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

Summary of Position:

Responsible for managing sourcing activities within Oleochemicals and Surfactants category driving scale and standardization globally maximizing value as well as reducing overall costs while improving the quality of goods purchased within the category assigned.

Serves as the business local focal point for the categories and ensures sourcing strategy alignment with business and other stakeholders. Develops and maintains relationships with key suppliers. Approves, negotiates, and finalizes contracts to increase value while acceptably mitigating risk. Other duties include analyzing, understanding and interpreting market dynamics, trends, and drivers as well as maintaining supplier databases.

Accountabilities:

• Accountable for managing regional category with a spend of up to USD $100 MM
• Support the development and execution of value-optimal category strategies that appropriately balance security of supply, cost, and other value factors
• Develop, maintain, and manage a supplier base that offers optimal quality, service, technology, and value
• Support negotiation and implementation of supply agreements that include ideal terms
• Conduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with key suppliers to advance supplier-supported company objectives, develop supplier capabilities, address gaps in supplier performance
• In collaboration with the BUs, Technology, and/or other functional stakeholders, develop and continuously evolve a cost savings/productivity plan for the category that includes a pipeline of new ideas, in-process projects, and projects accruing savings in support of exceeding annual savings goals
• Develop and effectively utilize should-cost models, market intelligence, and other value analysis tools to place the company in the best possible value position in the respective market
• Effectively address all supplier performance failures via the root cause and corrective action process, successfully levying claims, and other tactics as appropriate
• Develop and implement supply category strategies, applying best-in-class procurement processes and technology, managing special projects, driving procurement/supplier initiatives. The end result is to meet product, service, quality and overall supply requirements, and achieving cost savings objectives
• Develop and execute RFPs/RFIs
• Develop, execute and manage supplier contracts and agreements in line with QH DOA
• Provide leadership to drive continuous improvement in spend management processes and implemented tactics to drive compliance across the company
• Continually develop strong relationships with internal business partners across the company and stay connected with their individual business strategies and needs
• Execute the defined strategic sourcing process and drive utilization of tools and techniques aligned with the process framework and architecture
• Develop deep expertise in the spend category; shares and transfers expertise to global category managers and regional sourcing professionals. Is business focal point contact for category.
• Responsible for compliance with legal requirements, and with Company Procedures and policies (SOX, Quality, etc). Works with local sourcing professionals to ensure alignment with local regulations, restrictions, supply chain requirements Develop and maintain company sourcing methodology and tools
• Work effectively across business units with different objectives in the creation and implementation of procurement strategies for complex spend categories

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor' degree or University degree (Business/Chemistry/Engineering Preferred), or an equivalent mix of education and experience. Previous experience buying commodities or services in the chemical industry or similar market.
• Minimum 5-7 years experience in a sourcing or commercial environment with a successful track record in developing and executing supplier or customer strategies and programs basis involving supplier partnership/alliance concepts

Skills:

• Strong Leadership
• Experience with executing sourcing methodology
• Finance and Business Acumen
• Experience managing supplier relationships
• Solid communication skills
• Record of driving cost savings and productivity
• Track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Experience managing supplier relationships

What's in it for you:

• Competitive pay programs with excellent career growth trajectory
• Opportunities to see your efforts contribute toward the success of the business.
• Work for a global leader in the industrial process fluids industry
• On-site Fitness Center and Cafeteria

Quaker Houghton is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who need assistance applying for a position may emailOneHR@quakerhoughton.com.