Category Manager, Raw Materials Procurement

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Balchem is committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted, innovative, and science-based solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world. Balchem employs approximately 1,400 employees worldwide who provide the service, quality, and technology that enables our customers to win with their customers. We have built a reputation for delivering results to all of our stakeholders. Founded in 1967, Balchem, a Maryland corporation, became a publicly-traded company in 1970 and is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “BCPC.” Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey, and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the U.S. and Europe. The Company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Category Manager, Raw Materials Procurement is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for a portfolio of raw materials with annual spend of approximately $50-$70 million across the U.S. and Europe. This role is accountable for ensuring security of supply, managing supplier performance, optimizing total cost, and delivering long-term value across key raw material categories.

The ideal candidate has procurement experience in chemicals, food ingredients, agricultural commodities, or other commodity-based raw materials, with strong knowledge of market dynamics, supply risk management, supplier networks, and cost drivers. This individual will serve as the strategic owner of assigned categories, partnering with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, and Finance to drive category strategies, cost improvements, and business growth.

This is a highly visible role requiring a self-starter who can work independently, influence stakeholders, and proactively identify opportunities to strengthen supply continuity and cost competitiveness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Own category strategies for raw materials representing approximately $50-$70 million in annual spend.
• Develop and execute multi-year strategies focused on cost competitiveness, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and security of supply.
• Monitor commodity markets and provide market intelligence, cost forecasts, and risk assessments.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management.
• Develop should-cost models, commodity-based pricing analyses, and total cost of ownership assessments.
• Identify and implement savings, supplier innovation, and value-creation opportunities.
• Present category strategies and performance updates to key stakeholders and leadership.

Supplier & Risk Management

• Develop and execute strategies that ensure continuity of supply for critical raw materials.
• Identify, qualify, and develop alternative suppliers to reduce risk and improve competitiveness.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, performance reviews, and scorecards.
• Monitor supplier capacity, financial health, and market risks.
• Resolve supplier performance issues impacting cost, quality, delivery, or service.

Stakeholder Partnership

• Build strong relationships across Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Commercial teams.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving supplier qualifications, material approvals, and sourcing projects.
• Support new product development and innovation through supplier engagement and market expertise.
• Influence business decisions through category expertise, data analysis, and market insights.

Commercial Analysis & Value Creation

• Build and maintain should-cost and commodity-based cost models.
• Analyze supply-demand trends, cost drivers, and market conditions.
• Develop business cases supporting sourcing and supplier decisions.
• Track savings, contract compliance, and procurement KPIs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Finance, Operations, Business Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of procurement experience and at least 3 years of project management experience.
• Preferred: MBA and/or CPM certification.
• Strong understanding of direct category management; food ingredients or chemicals industry experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence in a highly matrixed environment and clearly communicate Procurement strategy.
• Proven track record in partnering with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, model business scenarios, and identify measurable value opportunities.
• Working knowledge of contracts, sourcing processes, and continuous improvement principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Ability to travel 10–30% as needed.

The expected salary range for this position is $130,000 - $140,000 a year.

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