Sourcing Category Manager - Chemicals

Job Details

Job Location

Waukegan, IL

Salary Range

$86,014.40 - $120,000.00 Salary

Job Shift

1st Shift

Description

Join the PAK

The Visual Pak Companies are aligned with many of the largest consumer product companies in the household, personal care, automotive, and food product industries.

30 years of consistent growth with no end in sight is a testament to our best-in-class workforce as the foundation for our collective success. The Visual Pak is looking for innovative and dedicated achievers who are encouraged to keep a healthy work/life balance to join our team.

Sourcing Category Manager-Chemicals

Position Purpose/Summary:.

The Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for executing and managing sourcing strategies for chemicals, components, and materials. This includes leading supplier relationships, driving cost-reduction initiatives, and optimizing supplier performance. The role also involves assisting with procurement strategies across various categories, negotiating supplier agreements, and ensuring compliance with technical, legal, and contractual obligations. The individual will work to improve supply continuity, reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS), and mitigate risks related to supply chain and market conditions.

Direct Reports

• NA
  
  

Position Responsibilities-Tasks-Deliverables

An individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

All duties as assigned and the following specific activities.

• Sourcing Strategy: Develop and manage sourcing strategies, including supplier relationships and market analysis, to meet business objectives.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Lead major supplier negotiations, manage contract development, and ensure compliance with cost, quality, and legal requirements.
• Supplier Performance: Manage ongoing supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and cost, while addressing any issues that arise.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-reduction and cost-avoidance initiatives across assigned categories.
• Supplier Evaluation: Conduct supplier assessments, implement supplier scorecards, and manage supplier qualification and onboarding. Establish Enterprise Buying Plan for common chemicals; leverage spend across the entire organization in order to achieve optimal costs and terms.
• RFQ/RFP Process: Lead the RFQ/RFP process to reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS) and optimize supplier performance.
• Supply Continuity: Implement dual sourcing strategies, manage inventory, and monitor supply chain risks and disruptions.
• Collaboration: Work with internal teams to build category strategies, resolve raw material issues, and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Reporting: Provide regular and accurate reporting on market conditions, cost changes, and supply chain performance.
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achieve annual cost reduction targets in assigned categories.
• Successfully negotiate improved payment terms and rebate structures with suppliers.
• Maintain optimal supplier relationships and performance standards through vendor scorecards and annual reviews.
• Implement and track savings from sourcing initiatives, achieving COGS reduction goals.
• Meet deadlines for assigned sourcing projects and manage supplier negotiations effectively.
  
  

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) match
• Pet Insurance
• Paid time-off
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Subsidy
• Childcare Resources
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Discounts
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities

Education

• Bachelor's Degree with emphasis on business, finance, chemistry, engineering, communications, or related field.
• Training in Procurement, Sourcing, E-Procurement, and online catalog management is a plus.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years Sourcing/Purchasing Experience in a Manufacturing or Distribution environment.
• 5 years CPG chemical/ingredient buying experience with Personal Care, Household Cleaning and other related areas, including various souring and/or purchasing functions.
• 5 years experience in managing supplier relationships, vendor inventory management, JIT, Lean manufacturing and supply chain processes.
• 5 years experience in supplier qualification and auditing process.
• Manage and oversee the sourcing and negotiation process with top Chemical suppliers to leverage volume, terms, and conditions.
• Familiar with MSDS sheets, Chemical specificaations and Chemical Supply chain best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and changing priorities simultaneously- accuracy under pressure is an absolute.
• Awareness of Supplier qualification requirements, line trails, CofAs, and packaging testing (ISTA) requirements for CPG Companies, Retailers, and Dot Com Customers.
• Knowledge of compounding, blending and filling.
• Capable to work under pressure on a regular basis.
• Exceptional detail ability with accuracy passion and able to provide meaningful data, analysis and present reasoned outcome.
  
  

Technology/Software

• Experience with e procurement software, reverse and forward auctions, SAP and/or Ariba procurement software, ERP system support – vendor set up. Able to load systems with supplier pricing and setting of material standards for each fiscal year.
• Advanced PC skills: Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, also Adobe Illustrator, digital photography, and file management. Capable of doing complex Excel spread sheets with spend data analytics.
  
  

Communication

• Excellent writing and verbal skills. Proficient with chemical technical terminology.
• Great inter-personal communication skills, team player, cross functional leader.
• Strong reporting skills, timely, and thorough. Has financial acumen to support meaningful reporting.
• Needs to have excellence in the quality of work with accuracy in all aspects of communication.
• Able to communicate chemical needs and requirements for Visual Pak Companies through the sharing of specifications, instructions, and methods of supply. Can clearly articulate supply chain needs and quality requirements to suppliers
  
  

Physical Capabilities

Strength (lifting, dexterity, repetitive motion):

• Ability to lift at least 20 lbs regularly.
• Repitive typing and mouse usage.
  
  

Movement (standing, Stopping, Sitting, Crouching, Crawling)

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time while typing.
  
  

Hearing (loud noise tolerance, quiet work area, public speaking, receive work direction):

• Must be able to hear, understand, and communicate work direction in a loud, distracting environment.
  
  

Vision (judge distance, read signs, extended computer work, identify details):

• Must be able to work for extended periods in front of multiple computer screens.
  
  

Miscellaneous

Travel: 10%

Vehicle (own): able to commute to office and plant locations

Tools (own): Cellular device

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs .