Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager

Job Summary:

The Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager is responsible for leading procurement strategy, processes, and supplier relationships across all raw materials categories at Adhesives Research. This role focuses on chemicals, polymers, resins, specialty films, and related materials used in the manufacture of high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesive tape products. The position is accountable for securing competitive cost, supply continuity, quality, innovation, and sustainability through expert negotiation, deep market intelligence, and long-term contracting strategies. Reporting to the Director of Product Management, this individual drives category strategy, supplier management, product financial performance, and cross-functional alignment across Innovation, Operations, Quality, and Finance. The Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager will build and execute robust category strategies while proactively managing supply chain risks, developing strategic supplier partnerships, and delivering significant year-over-year cost savings. This is a high impact role that combines strong commercial negotiation skills with technical understanding of adhesive chemistries and film substrates to maximize value for Adhesives Research.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Sourcing & Category Leadership:

• Develop and execute long-term category strategies balancing cost, service, risk, and innovation.
• Build deep market intelligence across feedstocks, supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical factors.
• Lead complex supplier negotiations leveraging cost modeling and market benchmarks.
• Anticipate raw material trends, understand and utilize material indices, and align with Innovation on key performance criteria.
• Lead aggressive price negotiations and contract negotiations with chemical and film suppliers to secure year-over-year cost reductions while protecting supply continuity and quality.
• Develop and maintain long-term supply agreements, including index-based pricing and risk-sharing mechanisms common in chemical markets.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks including single-source dependencies, geopolitical issues, force majeure events, and raw material shortages common in the adhesives and specialty chemicals industry.
• Maintain robust business continuity plans and dual/multi-sourcing strategies for critical raw materials.

Innovation Alignment:

• Partner with Innovation to identify and commercialize new materials and technologies.
• Support innovation and sustainability initiatives through supplier scouting and development.
• Drive dual-approval strategies to reduce supply risk and increase leverage.

Raw Material Supplier and Collaboration:

• Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships
• Lead alternative supplier and product qualification programs
• Ensure supplier performance meets quality, reliability, and compliance standards

Financial Performance and Analytics:

• Own budget-to-forecast processes for raw materials
• Maintain savings pipelines and track validated financial results
• Utilize cost models and pricing tools to inform sourcing decisions and forecasts
• Build capability of cost modeling and market intelligence

Additional Responsibilities:

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Chemistry, Business, or related field (MBA or relevant industry experience)
• 10+ years of progressive procurement experience, with experience in chemicals, polymers/resins, coatings, or related manufacturing
• Strong analytical capabilities including cost modeling, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated success in cost savings and complex negotiations.
• Deep understanding of chemical markets and feedstock dynamics preferred.
• Experience working in formulation-driven environments preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to be a team player with cross-functional stakeholders (Innovation, Operations, Quality, Finance).
• Ability to multitask and adapt to quickly shifting priorities in a volatile market environment.
• Direct experience in the adhesives, coatings, or specialty tape industry.
• Proven track record of delivering significant cost savings through negotiation, value engineering, and alternative sourcing
• Computer and related software knowledge (cost modeling, pricing tools, ERP systems).