Category Leader - Decatur, IL

Category Leader - Decatur, IL (On-Site)

This is a full-time, exempt position that will be based at an ADM location in Decatur, IL

The role

The Category Leader, Chemicals partners with all operational functions and business units to develop and execute long term procurement strategies aligned with business goals for chemicals. This role will collaborate and align with internal and external stakeholders to support operational and commercial objectives. He/she will work closely with cross functional leaders to understand implementation challenges and to develop solutions to increase compliance. The Category Leader will also develop processes to ensure stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision making. He/she will prepare requests for quotes/proposals and negotiate regional and global agreements for the management of chemicals spend across ADM. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that optimize cost, quality, and delivery for our organization. The role requires a strong understanding of the Chemicals industry and related supply markets, as well as a track record of delivering cost savings and driving supplier performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Chemicals procurement strategies, ensuring management of risk, maximizing current/future market conditions, and defining of contingency plans to ensure critical supply needs are met for various chemical commodities and specialty chemicals.
• Manage supplier relationships, acting as prime negotiator with suppliers on price, terms, quality, service, and other business requirements.
• Monitor market trends, assess supplier risks, and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions while progressing strategic opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and systems.
• Review requests and align with business unit leaders on paths forward.
• Prepare and issue requests for quote, proposal or information to qualified suppliers.
• Minimum of eight (8) years professional work experience with four (4) years in purchasing chemicals for global companies, preferred
• Analyze supplier responses and make data-driven sourcing recommendations.
• Develop and implement contractual framework in close cooperation with legal.
• Establish short and long term category metrics and TCO savings targets, monitor performance, and communicate these to stakeholders.
• Manage supplier expectations and key performance metrics.
• Apply eSourcing best practices to all sourcing events.
• Serve as a single point of contact for up to 15 different chemical categories of spend, to ensure maximum leverage is consistently utilized.
• Establish robust communication plan to keep internal business partners informed of progress and benefits of Procurement activity.
• Partner with internal risk, quality, and compliance groups to ensure category strategies are compliant with relevant specs, laws, regulations, and risk policies.
• Act as change agent and advocate for Procurement as a value added function.
• Develop and implement process improvements and cost savings initiatives with suppliers.

Required Competencies:

Business Technology

• Commercial skills and familiarity with contract law
• Competent in financial analysis
• Customer solutions focused
• Proven negotiations skills
• Skilled in cost/benefit analysis and alternative decision making
• Technology adept (eProcurement and P2P systems, source-to-pay systems (eg. COUPA, Ariba, Maximo) and standard Office Suite such as Excel, Word, and Power Point)
• Capacity to develop advanced strategies
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently and thoroughly
• Global awareness (culture, currencies, geography, political)
• Continuous Improvement
• Chemicals VMI practices, considerations, reporting, data sharing, and communications
• Chemicals Demand management and forecasting components for improved assurance of supply

Interpersonal Skills

• Communications (oral/written)
• Ability to influence and lead outcome
• Forward, visionary thinker
• Skilled at relationship management, with internal and external partners
• Team oriented

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field is required
• MBA is preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years professional work experience with four (4) years in purchasing chemicals for global companies, preferred
• In-depth understanding of various contracting models is strongly desired
• Certified Professional of Supply Management (CPSM) certification or other Procurement related certification, a plus.

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:103275BR