Category Manager

Category Manager – Direct Materials

Ascend is currently searching for a Category Manager – Direct Materials based in our Greater Houston area. As a member of the Procurement organization, this position will develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories supporting our global manufacturing operations. Responsibilities include commercial management of third-party manufacturing (tolling), catalysts, specialty chemicals, and other assigned direct materials. This position is primarily remote, with periodic travel to our Houston Corporate Office and regional manufacturing facilities as needed.

This role will drive category management across multiple manufacturing facilities, lead strategic supplier relationships and contract negotiations, and partner closely with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to improve supply reliability, optimize total cost, and support business growth through strategic supplier partnerships.

Targeted Outcomes

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for toll manufacturing and assigned direct material categories.
• Improve supplier reliability, supply continuity, and commercial performance.
• Develop strong market knowledge of assigned chemical value chains, manufacturing processes, and supplier capabilities.
• Identify and implement metrics, tools, and systems to ensure successful execution of the organization's strategic goals and objectives.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders in business, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, and technology to develop key strategic supplier relationships and manage supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories including toll manufacturing, catalysts, and other raw materials.
• Lead commercial management of third-party manufacturing (tolling) partners including supplier selection, onboarding, contract negotiations, and performance management.
• Negotiate manufacturing service agreements, supply agreements, and other commercial contracts supporting assigned categories.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to qualify suppliers, commercialize new products, and support strategic manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop key strategic supplier relationships and function effectively as the primary communication point between internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts to support category strategies with focus on price competitiveness, cash flow, reliability, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
• Execute enterprise wide strategic RFQs
• Assess and deliver on opportunities to support the company's sustainability goals.
• Achieve productivity metrics to exceed the annual business plan.
• Support Supplier Quality Management program, identify and implement key supplier metrics to monitor, measure, and improve supplier performance.
• Ensure standards for ethical conduct are in place and are being adhered to.

Reports To: Procurement Director

Location: Greater Houston Area (Remote) Periodic travel to Ascend manufacturing facilities and the Houston Corporate Office required (approximately 20–30%).

Required Experience

• BS/BA degree in related technical field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering with a background in strategic purchasing of services and materials
• Preferred experience in one or more of the following: chemical or petrochemical manufacturing, toll or contract manufacturing, catalysts, raw materials procurement, or polymer/performance materials industries
• Knowledge of procurement systems and purchasing policies, procedures, and laws
• Experience working in an ERP environment; GEP and SAP experience preferred

Required Skills

• Must exhibit strong communication, analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Category strategy development expertise
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to drive complex projects to completion within a short period of time
• Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the business
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail with ability to learn quickly
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment - Should be able to multi-task with proven follow-through and adherence to changing priorities and deadlines