Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including consumer, industrial, institutional, food and beverage, and pool and spa water markets. Owned by Platinum Equity, the company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, and cleaners and disinfectants, as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments.  

  

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 69 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 16,100 professionals in 130 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2024 US Best Managed Company, recognized fouryears in a row. For more information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com. 

As Sr Category Manager you will report to the Associate Procurement Director and be responsible for covering various chemical categories across the organization's different business units in North America. This is a critical role on our Procurement team, with a large, complex scope of responsibilities within the category.

You will create foundational value for all stakeholder to create a competitive advantage in the marketplace. You will also work to achieve and exceed quality, cost, and service performance targets for North America operations.

This role will work with cross-functional teams in North America to create, maintain, and/or change packaging supply strategies to deliver an effective and sustainable Total Cost of Ownership.

This role presents a great opportunity for an experienced procurement professional who is passionate about growing their career in direct procurement.  You would be joining a company and a team focused on skillset development and opportunities to advance your career within a culturally diverse and global organization. 

Responsibilities include: 

Become subject matter expert of assigned chemical categories to understand Market Drivers and provide Market Intelligence; develop and maintain Cost Models for price transparency and provide ForecastingAnalyze spend data to identify cost savings and cash flow improvement opportunitiesCreate and implement procurement strategies that are innovative, cost-effective, and incorporate the growing complexities and challenges within the industryPerform tasks that support the direction of the category and drive optimization across the portfolioManage preferred supplier network, including: identify, develop, qualify, onboard, transact and collaborate with a high number of suppliers for multiple categoriesIdentify and develop insourcing strategyDevelop different award optimization scenarios to minimize total cost of ownershipCompare proposals for price and specificationsNegotiate contracts and purchases of chemicals to optimize supply and total cost of ownershipExecute and review contracts ensuring compliance around pricing, payment terms, volume commitments, rebatesProvide problem solving solutions (short term and long term) for service-related issues as neededCoordinate sourcing initiatives with global team to optimize across the regions and align on multinational supplier sourcing strategiesCollaborate with diverse cross-functional teams to achieve resultsBuild positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholdersEnsure compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety, and Responsible Care programsTrack results and succinctly communicate work progress at critical milestones and/or regularly scheduled intervals

Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in applicable field of work.Strong Procurement experience.Chemical experience is essential for this role.Must have strong analytical skills – an advanced level of proficiency in Excel and/or other data tools.Mathematical and reasoning skills required for proper analysis of bids, inclusive of differential pricing analysis and total cost of ownership.Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications.SAP experience preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

Must be able learn quickly and work in a challenging environment. The ability to multi-task with proven follow-through and adherence to changing priorities and deadlines is required.Ability to work cross functionally with teams to balance solutions in accordance with budget, schedule and tools.Professional and effective facilitation skills – should be able to facilitate group discussions.Attention to detail – should be able to complete accurate data entry and develop accurate written materials.Action orientated – should be able to follow up on feedback to ensure positive outcomes.Collaborative team player - should be able to establish solid working relationships with stakeholders.Professional communication skills – should be able to communicate with peers, customers and vendors both via verbal and written communication.

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We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification.  If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

 

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, including Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

 

Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@solenis.com

The expected compensation range for this position is between $102,300.00 and $143,220.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.