Global Category Manager

Global Category Manager – Toll Manufacturing, Purchased for Resale, Environmental Remediation, Waste Management Join Ashland’s Global Procurement team to develop and execute global procurement strategies across toll manufacturing, purchased‑for‑resale, environmental remediation services, and waste management. This role drives supplier performance, cost optimization, supply assurance, risk mitigation, compliance, and sustainability objectives while managing complex commercial relationships and multi‑million dollar agreements. Responsibilities Develop category strategy plans following the 7‑step strategic sourcing methodology and use appropriate support tools to deliver savings. Ensure all procurement services are met for assigned Ashland business units, plants, labs, and/or facilities. Negotiate, implement, and manage strategic contracts to ensure optimum cost and reliable supply. Identify and lead opportunities for cost savings, better efficiency, and policy or process improvements. Develop and deploy supply risk assessment and mitigation programs to ensure business continuity. Manage the full vendor lifecycle, including supplier identification, due diligence, qualification trials, contracting, and performance reviews. Facilitate RFP/RFQ/RFI processes and prepare Coupa sourcing / bidding events per engineering specifications. Conduct bid analysis with cross‑functional teams and award contracts based on consensus. Lead cross‑functional global teams and collaborate with other leadership members to deliver on procurement/corporate objectives. Manage assigned high‑value/complex spend categories directly. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, driving optimized value through strategic relationship management. Extract and analyze spend data using ERP/S2P reporting tools such as Coupa, SAP, and QlikView. Act as Corporate Agent to ensure regulatory compliance and enforcement of corporate policies. Ensure strict compliance with Ashland’s Zero Incident Culture and Responsible Care Guidelines. Travel up to 25% for site visits, supplier meetings, internal meetings, and industry conferences. Qualifications Minimum 10 years of strategic indirect procurement and/or tolling procurement services experience. Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred; MBA and/or CPSM certification a plus. Leadership experience managing complex multi‑category spend exceeding $70MM. Experience in chemical, pharmaceutical, or Fortune500 companies preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of 7‑step strategic sourcing and total cost of ownership frameworks. Strong expertise in supplier relationship management and supply risk assessment/mitigation. Knowledge of contracting practices and processes in a global environment. Excellent communication, presentation, and teamwork skills with a sense of urgency. Proficiency with Coupa, SAP, and Ariba. Preferred Qualifications Additional 5+ years managing senior‑level stakeholder relationships and small‑value spend alongside high‑value contracts. Demonstrated experience in diverse global, matrixed teams. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Veterans, Disabled, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation applicants are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr