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Job Description

Overview:

The Category Manager - IT & Corporate Services is a pivotal role within our Procurement team, responsible for crafting and executing comprehensive category strategies at both global and regional levels. Collaborating closely with Procurement leadership and internal teams, this role ensures alignment with overarching business objectives. With a focus on fostering relationships and understanding business needs, the Category Manager drives efficiency in purchasing processes while maximizing value delivery to the organization. This role also encompasses accountability for supplier performance, cost competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor up to 3 direct reports, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to establish category strategies aligned with business goals, spanning a 1-3 year timeframe.
• Drive and oversee key business strategies across IT, HR, Consulting, and Engineering Services to deliver tangible business value.
• Monitor and ensure supplier performance, emphasizing cost competitiveness, service level commitment, and value creation.
• Track cost savings and other improvements resulting from sourcing activities, aligning with company-wide sustainability objectives.
• Utilize strategic negotiation tactics to achieve the best Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the organization.
• Conduct detailed spend analysis in collaboration with Procurement Analysts to manage complex areas of spend effectively.
• Partner with key functions such as Legal, HR, and Finance to ensure sourcing activities comply with company policies and guidelines.
• Drive global and regional RFI/RFQ/RFP projects to optimize competitive bidding strategies and vendor selection processes.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts to manage supplier relationships, mitigate risks, and maintain consistency in value and quality.
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain Center of Excellence to drive the adoption of procurement processes, procedures, and technology.
• Stay abreast of sourcing and category management best practices, incorporating relevant market data into decision-making processes.

Requirements:

• Leadership experience with a proven track record of managing teams effectively.
• Minimum of 7 years of purchasing experience, with a deep understanding of key purchasing processes and contract management.
• Strong functional knowledge of Category Management, preferably with previous experience in IT and Corporate Services categories.
• Exceptional business acumen with a focus on cost management and identifying market opportunities.
• Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
• Excellent negotiation skills coupled with proficiency in SAP and sourcing/contracting technology.
• Proficient user of MS Office Suite, with strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience in managing business improvement projects within a Supply Chain and Procurement environment is a plus.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.