Category Manager, Global Chemicals

Category Manager, Global Chemical

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Westchester, Illinois

As a Category Manager, Global Chemical you will be responsible for leading Ingredion's global chemical category strategies, overseeing ~$ 150 M in annual spend. Reporting directly to the Sr. Manager, Global Chemicals. This role will focus on executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving measurable value across cost, quality, service, and risk mitigation.

As part of the Global Direct Strategic team, the Manager will collaborate closely with regional procurement teams, Finance, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment between global strategies and local execution. This role is highly visible and requires strong analytical, commercial, and communication skills to influence outcomes across the organization.

What you will do:

• Lead the creation, execution, and delivery of both North America and global chemical category strategies.
• Translate chemical procurement strategies into actionable category plans with measurable KPIs across regions.
• Monitor category performance and provide updates to leadership.
• Conduct thorough assessments of global chemical spend and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Partner with Finance to provide accurate cost forecasts, market impact analysis, and monthly variance reporting.
• Develop and negotiate contracts in collaboration with Legal, Suppliers, and Business stakeholders.
• Manage designated strategic supplier relationships to ensure performance across quality, cost, delivery, and service.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews against contractual standards and performance expectations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify innovation opportunities and mitigate supply risks.
• Assess global market trends, forecasts, risks, and geopolitical impacts relevant to chemicals.
• Develop risk management strategies, including alternative sourcing options and supply continuity planning.
• Drive adherence to procurement technology platforms (SAP, PowerSteering) and company policies.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes and ensure alignment across country, regional, and global levels.
• Promote best practices in procurement and sourcing execution.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Finance, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 5-8 years of procurement or sourcing experience, with significant exposure to chemicals or direct materials.
• Proven track record in managing global categories, supplier negotiations, and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, including cost modeling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience with SAP and other procurement technology platforms.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and geographies.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Collaborative mindset with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Who you are:

• Adaptive professional who thrives in complexity and collaborates effectively across functions and geographies.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on delivering measurable value to the business.
• Strategic thinker who can challenge the status quo and identify new opportunities.
• Strong relationship builder with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Comfortable working independently while driving alignment across global teams

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Flexible Work Arrangements – We value flexibility to support you both professionally and personally
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities.
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Referral Program – Refer top talent and earn a bonus if they're hired

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law ("protected classifications"). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available: Yes, Within Region

Pay Range: $123,500.00-$164,700.00 Annual

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.