Procurement Category Manager - Chemicals Procurement

Join a large international engineering-led organisation as a Category Manager responsible for a strategically important chemicals procurement portfolio. You'll work closely with engineering, technical and operational stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies, drive commercial value and ensure the reliable supply of critical materials across a complex international operation.

We're looking for an experienced procurement professional who has previously sourced chemicals and understands the commercial, technical and supply chain challenges associated with this specialist category.

The Role

Reporting into the Procurement leadership team, you'll be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that deliver cost savings, supplier innovation, operational resilience and long-term value.

Working cross-functionally, you'll influence key stakeholders, negotiate with global suppliers and support both operational requirements and major engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term category strategies for chemical products and associated technical materials.
• Lead strategic sourcing activities from market analysis through to contract award.
• Build strong relationships with engineering, technical and operational stakeholders.
• Negotiate commercial agreements with global suppliers to deliver cost, quality and service improvements.
• Analyse spend, demand and market trends to identify savings and value opportunities.
• Manage supplier performance and develop strategic supplier relationships.
• Support capital projects, maintenance activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deliver year-on-year procurement savings and value generation.
• Resolve operational procurement issues whilst maintaining continuity of supply.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Significant procurement or category management experience.
• Proven experience sourcing chemicals is essential.
• Experience procuring chemicals within an engineering, manufacturing, industrial, energy or similarly technical environment.
• Strong commercial negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing capability.
• Experience developing and implementing category strategies.
• Strong analytical skills including spend analysis and cost modelling.

Desirable:

• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or a related discipline.
• Exposure to technically complex procurement environments.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a well-established international organisation.
• Strategic procurement role with significant commercial influence.
• Exposure to global suppliers and high-value procurement programmes.
• Excellent career development opportunities.
• Hybrid working model with regular onsite collaboration in Weybridge.

If you're a commercially driven procurement professional with hands-on experience sourcing chemicals and enjoy working in technically complex engineering environments, we'd love to hear from you.