Category Manager - Chemicals

Schaumburg or Decatur, IL

WHO WE ARE:

Primient is a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources.  We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage.  Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to our people and our planet. 

ROLE PURPOSE: 

The Category Manager - Chemicals will work under the direction of the Global Category Manager – Chemicals along with internal stakeholders to negotiate and execute chemical contracts across Primient’s footprint to create a low-cost and reliable chemical portfolio. The Category Manager will identify key market conditions, regulations, and market structures to help evaluate potential savings opportunities as well as evaluate potential market related risks. Through excellent leadership and communications skills, the Category Manager will ensure that cross functional business opportunities are actively embraced. 
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support the development and execution of comprehensive chemical multi-year strategies.
• Manage, advise, and maintain oversight of chemical sourcing and strategies.
• Analyze markets, regulations, and trends, including economic and geopolitical influences in markets where Primient operates.
• Support chemical forecasting and budget planning and reporting activities.
• Work with key business partners and procurement leadership team to gain a clear understanding of the strategic direction and supply requirements and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with operations and finance teams on chemical forecasting and financial modelling
• Develop strategies to capture movement in chemical markets to identify cost savings opportunities for new and existing facilities.
• Analytically oriented and data driven decisions.
• Create and distribute regularly reports to various functions.
• Provide periodic category updates to leadership team detailing key supplier initiatives, savings to target / category spend and trend analysis.
• Provide regular and appropriate communications to stakeholders to ensure the business understands industry best practices, trends and category knowledge.
• Present strategic sourcing recommendations for approval
• Experience building cost models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) oriented.
• Present strategies and market trends at periodic business reviews with sales and product teams
• Identify synergies and develop strategies to capture intra- and cross-regional opportunities; develop implement risk management strategies.
• Support and advise other category managers on chemical markets, regulations, and trends.
• Provide direction of category administrative tasks conducted by Global Shared Services (i.e. management of pricing structures in SAP)
• Utilize available sourcing tools and technologies to conduct spend analysis, contract and supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing activities.
• Ensure savings targets and reporting requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Review and reconcile chemical invoices for accuracy and contract compliance.
• Engage with related trade associations and/or industrial groups to obtain views of regulatory and legislative opportunities.  

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

• Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) required- Economics/Finance/Business; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working in chemical industry
• Experience managing a spend portfolio in excess of $50 million.
• Ability to support the development and execution of a comprehensive chemical procurement strategy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations, finance, and regional procurement teams to support the development of strategic chemical sourcing opportunities.
• Ability to communicate throughout all levels of the organization.
• Strong negotiations skills
• Knowledge of the strategic sourcing process and practical application to sourcing projects with a history of achieving YOY savings
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication skills, including excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Proficient in using technology and tools, including SAP and Microsoft Office Suite
• Take ownership and support/drive Primient’s safety culture.

PRIMARY LOCATIONS:

While there is flexibility on where this position is located, you will need to reside near one of our administrative offices or plant locations. This includes the following locations:

• Schaumburg, IL
• Decatur, IL

WHAT WE OFFER:

At Primient, you will have the opportunity to drive end-to-end solutions, while owning a high level of accountability and ownership.  Additionally, we offer….

• Benefits from Day 1
• 401k Match
• Bonus program
• A chance to make dynamic, substantive change in a growing company

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are passionate believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow, thrive and progress.

Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")

The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.