Category Leader, Procurement - Chemicals
This is a full-time, exempt position based in Decatur, IL

The role
The Category Leader, Chemicals partners with all operational functions and business units to develop and execute long term procurement strategies aligned with business goals for chemicals. This role will collaborate and align with internal and external stakeholders to support operational and commercial objectives. He/she will work closely with cross functional leaders to understand implementation challenges and to develop solutions to increase compliance. The Category Leader will also develop processes to ensure stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision making. He/she will prepare requests for quotes/proposals and negotiate regional and global agreements for the management of chemicals spend across ADM. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that optimize cost, quality, and delivery for our organization. The role requires a strong understanding of the Chemicals industry and related supply markets, as well as a track record of delivering cost savings and driving supplier performance.

Job ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute Chemicals procurement strategies, ensuring management of risk, maximizing current/future market conditions, and defining of contingency plans to ensure critical supply needs are met for various chemical commodities and specialty chemicals.Manage supplier relationships, acting as prime negotiator with suppliers on price, terms, quality, service, and other business requirements.Monitor market trends, assess supplier risks, and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions while progressing strategic opportunities.Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and systems.Review requests and align with business unit leaders on paths forward.Prepare and issue requests for quote, proposal or information to qualified suppliers.Analyze supplier responses and make data-driven sourcing recommendations.Develop and implement contractual framework in close cooperation with legal.Establish short and long term category metrics and TCO savings targets, monitor performance, and communicate these to stakeholders.Manage supplier expectations and key performance metrics.Apply eSourcing best practices to all sourcing events.Serve as a single point of contact for up to 15 different chemical categories of spend, to ensure maximum leverage is consistently utilized.Establish robust communication plan to keep internal business partners informed of progress and benefits of Procurement activity.Partner with internal risk, quality, and compliance groups to ensure category strategies are compliant with relevant specs, laws, regulations, and risk policies.Act as change agent and advocate for Procurement as a value added function.Develop and implement process improvements and cost savings initiatives with suppliers.Required Competencies:
Business TechnologyCommercial skills and familiarity with contract lawCompetent in financial analysisCustomer solutions focusedProven negotiations skillsSkilled in cost/benefit analysis and alternative decision makingTechnology adept (eProcurement and P2P systems, source-to-pay systems (eg. COUPA, Ariba, Maximo) and standard Office Suite such as Excel, Word, and Power Point)Capacity to develop advanced strategiesAbility to manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently and thoroughlyGlobal awareness (culture, currencies, geography, political)Continuous ImprovementChemicals VMI practices, considerations, reporting, data sharing, and communicationsChemicals Demand management and forecasting components for improved assurance of supplyInterpersonal SkillsCommunications (oral/written)Ability to influence and lead outcomeForward, visionary thinkerSkilled at relationship management, with internal and external partnersTeam orientedEducational and Experience Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field is requiredMBA is preferred.Minimum of eight (8) years professional work experience with four (4) years in purchasing chemicals for global companies, preferredIn-depth understanding of various contracting models is strongly desiredCertified Professional of Supply Management (CPSM) certification or other Procurement related certification, a plus.Excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement listed? Studies show that often applicants will self-select out if they don’t check every box. We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 

REF:90258BR