Procurement Category Manager, Americas

Procurement Category Manager, Americas

As the Procurement Category Manager for the Americas, you will be a key driver of Clariant's raw materials procurement strategy combining sharp market intelligence, expert supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver real business impact across the region. Leveraging state-of-the-art analytical tools and deep value chain expertise, you will shape regional and global procurement strategies, lead high-stakes supplier negotiations, and champion supply security in an ever-evolving market landscape. This is a role where strategic thinking meets hands-on execution from navigating geopolitical challenges to unlocking value transformation opportunities and advancing digital procurement innovation. If you thrive at the intersection of analytics, influence, and results, this position offers you the platform to make your mark on a global scale while growing alongside a forward-thinking, collaborative team.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular, in-depth market and value chain analysis using advanced procurement tools and statistical methods to identify price trends, supplier developments, and shifts in the regulatory and market environment.
• Share market insights and analytics with global category teams and the Head of Category, supporting regional and global forecasting, target setting, and procurement strategy development.
• Execute centrally defined procurement strategies across the Americas, including regional and local stakeholder alignment and the strategic allocation of demand to approved supply sources.
• Prepare and lead regional supplier negotiations in close alignment with the Head of Category, encompassing negotiation planning and execution, supplier development and onboarding, and contract generation and rollout.
• Proactively identify and qualify alternative suppliers to reduce single-source dependencies, strengthen supply resilience, and mitigate supply chain risk.
• Engage regularly with regional and local business and segment representatives across diverse teams and regions, leveraging strong intercultural competence and communication skills to anticipate evolving business needs, demonstrate procurement value, and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
• Lead or support emergency procurement management during regional or global disruptions, including geopolitical events or supply crises affecting daily operations.
• Drive Value Transformation Projects in close coordination with the Head of Category to deliver measurable cost, cash, and innovation outcomes.
• Conduct regional supplier performance reviews in line with centrally defined processes, including on-time-in-full (OTIF) discussions and risk mitigation planning.
• Champion digital awareness and the adoption of digital procurement tools across the Americas region.
• Deliver against all relevant procurement key performance indicators within the regional scope, including cost, cash, sustainability, innovation, business partnering, and value transformation.
• Lead and contribute to projects across the broader Care Chemicals Procurement team and the Global Procurement community, confidently engaging and aligning stakeholders at all levels to drive results.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required; a field of study in Chemistry, Engineering, Business Administration, or MBA is preferred
• 5+ years of proven procurement experience within a reputable multinational company, in either upstream or downstream operations
• Formal negotiation training or certification preferred
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; proficiency in additional languages such as Spanish is a plus

Whats in it for you?

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances
• Paid Holidays
• PTO time with a carry-over benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• EAP Program
• Spending and Savings Accounts
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Online discount Mall
• Auto/Home Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• Legal Services Plan

Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties. At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.

Clariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.