Category Manager

Category Manager US-VA-Richmond Job ID: 2026-2748 # of Openings: 1 NewMarket Services Overview NewMarket Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is the parent company of Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) and Calca Solutions (Calca). Afton is a leading manufacturer and marketer of performance enhancing fuel and lubricant additives with operations around the world. Ethyl distributes gasoline performance additives throughout North America and provides terminal storage and distribution services from its Houston, Texas facility. AMPAC is a U.S. manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. Calca is the leading U.S. manufacturer of UltraPure and high purity hydrazine most notably used for in-space propulsion by satellites, space probes and other space vehicles. Calca's hydrazine derivatives play a vital role in the manufacture of products used in agricultural, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and industrial applications. Job Summary Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted, cost effective supply of a portfolio of raw materials/goods & services necessary to support Afton business goals and operations including but not limited to production facilities, contract manufacturing facilities, resale operations, R&D facilities and corporate departments. Position is typically responsible for more than $50MM in annual spend with a number of high volume business critical materials, products or services. Generally the % of strategic procurement vs. tactical procurement will increase to 60% in this role. Typically works under direction and guidance. Responsibilities Develop and manage supplier relationships to negotiate and maintain price and supply conditions ensuring commercial terms are optimized, supply maintained, contracts implemented and managed as appropriate and SAP data maintained. Develop an understanding of the market for the raw materials, products and services purchased and identify the factors which influence availability and pricing (know the buy) ensuring that significant market changes are anticipated, managed and communicated. Identify and select source(s) of assigned raw materials, products and services. Work with the supplier base to identify new sources within existing portfolio and new technologies which may bring advantage to Afton, sponsoring and supporting approvals as appropriate. Prepare, maintain and communicate long term sourcing strategies to support the Long Range Plan (LRP) both within region and at a global level as appropriate to ensure raw material, products and services availability and economics are communicated to and support the needs of the business. Develop and maintain forecasts (volume and price) for use with suppliers and for communication within Afton including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process. Monitor quality and consistency of raw materials, products and services used via the SCS (Supplier Care System) to record quality issues/resolutions. Consult with Process Technology, R&D and Manufacturing and other departments as required, investigating and resolving quality issues quickly and effectively. Collaborate with other Afton purchasing team members on a regional and global basis to identify synergies that will ensure maximization of strategic purchasing initiatives. Employ strategies as appropriate to ensure business continuity objectives are met. Consult with Business Group, R&D, Manufacturing and Process Technology to provide information regarding competitive challenges, potential entrants, pricing initiatives and quality, service, price and distribution issues. Qualifications Education & Experience Minimums: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business, Economics, Math, Chemistry or related field Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation and organizational skills typically acquired through 7 or more years of relevant or related experience Procurement or directly relevant sales experience Education & Experience Preferred: Advanced degree (Masters or MBA) Work experience in the petroleum additive, lubricant or chemical industry Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar certification (e.g. CIPS) Skills/Abilities: High personal credibility and ethics Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of market economics, cost drivers, value chains etc. (ideally within the chemical industry) Able to manage conflicting and rapidly changing priorities prioritize effectively and deliver to deadlines Effective negotiation facilitation and conflict management skills. Self-starter with strong business acumen and the ability to link business goals and market trends to make sound procurement decisions. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build consensus. Strong strategic and analytic approach to procurement with knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and practices. Broad knowledge of the principles of contract writing and management. Demonstrated computer literacy with regard to Afton's routine applications. Team-oriented leadership dedicated to continuous improvement, maximizing productivity and effectiveness in the organization, and promoting best practices. Effective listening skills. Benefits / Compensation We offer competitive compensation and benefit packages that reflect our commitment to our employees. Our employees are our most treasured asset and we have dedicated resources that allow us to reward our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis - ensuring our compensation packages are competitive in the industry. An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr