Categories: Supply Chain, Procurement, Chemical Manufacturing, Strategic Sourcing

Job Description:

Sr. Category Lead / Category Manager – Chemical & Raw Materials Strategic Sourcing

Huntsman is seeking a Sr. Category Lead / Category Manager supporting the Polyurethanes and Performance Products Divisions, located at our Global Headquarters in The Woodlands, TX. This position will report to the Procurement Director – Americas.

Job Scope

We are seeking a dynamic and self-driven strategic sourcing professional to lead advanced sourcing initiatives for chemicals and raw materials across the Americas region. This role is responsible for developing and executing category sourcing strategies, optimizing procurement outcomes, and ensuring uninterrupted supply to support business objectives. The position will manage supplier relationships, contract development, performance monitoring, and market intelligence to drive competitive advantage and measurable cost savings for the organization.

In summary, as the Sr. Category Lead / Category Manager, Chemical & Raw Materials, you will:

• Lead the development and execution of advanced strategic sourcing initiatives for chemicals and raw materials.

• Demonstrate expert negotiation skills, securing favorable commercial terms and managing contract development, review, and compliance.

• Collaborate with Americas Business and Procurement leadership to build and maintain category strategies and multi-level supplier relationships.

• Collect and analyze business requirements, cost drivers, supplier capabilities, and industry trends to optimize value while ensuring supply and quality.

• Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships across the region, ensuring alignment and continuous supplier performance improvement.

• Identify new raw material sources and drive qualification processes; troubleshoot supply chain constraints.

• Develop alternative suppliers and collaborate closely with technical teams during qualification.

• Use market intelligence, data analytics, and sourcing methodologies to develop category strategies.

• Apply key financial indicators such as TCO, EBITDA, ROI, payment terms, and savings measures in decision-making.

• Develop and track project action plans to ensure timely and effective execution.

• Create, maintain, and review business reports (KPIs, project reports, savings reports) and manage vendor performance.

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.
The candidate must have an unrestricted right to work for Huntsman in the United States.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing & Supply Chain, Finance, Business Administration, or Engineering.

Experience Required:

• 5+ years of solid experience in Strategic Sourcing and Procurement within the Chemical, Oil & Gas, or Energy industry.

• Proven experience in contract development, including detailed review of terms and conditions.

• Strong experience using procurement and sourcing tools (SAP, Ariba, etc.).

• Experience with RFI, RFQ, RFP processes, bid evaluations, cost modeling, and negotiation pre- and post-award.

Skills and Knowledge

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Strong data management and data analytics/market intelligence capabilities.

• Root-cause analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong supplier performance management and stakeholder management skills.

• Leadership skills with the ability to influence, coach, and lead teams to positive results.

• Ability to ensure effective cross-collaboration and alignment across internal stakeholders.

• Flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Professional-level English communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supply Chain and Purchasing certifications such as SCMP, CPSM, CPSD, CPSQ, etc.

• Knowledge of chemical raw materials, feedstocks, and Huntsman businesses and markets.

Working Environment

• Office-based role at Huntsman’s Global Headquarters in The Woodlands, TX.

• May require occasional travel to supplier sites, manufacturing locations, or regional offices.

• Work involves standard physical requirements typical of an office environment (e.g., extended periods of computer work, attending meetings).

Additional Locations: