Global Category Manager - Raw Materials - Reims

Global Category Manager - Raw Materials - Reims

Global Category Manager - Oil Derivatives & Raw Materials

Location: Reims, France

Shape the future of global procurement.

Imagine taking ownership of one of the most strategically important procurement categories within a global manufacturing organisation.

Managing over €100M annual spend , partnering with 200+ global suppliers , influencing sourcing decisions across 12 international manufacturing sites , and helping shape the next generation of procurement through AI-enabled digital transformation.

If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely influence business performance-not simply negotiate contracts-this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

The Opportunity

Our client is a recognised global manufacturing leader embarking on an exciting procurement transformation programme. Significant investment is being made into digital procurement, advanced analytics and AI-enabled Source-to-Pay technology, creating an opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to play a key role in shaping the future of the function.

As Procurement Category Manager - Oil Derivatives & Other Raw Materials , you'll develop and execute the global sourcing strategy for critical raw materials including PVC, plasticizers, yarn fibres and other oil-derived commodities.

You'll work at the heart of the business, partnering with Procurement, Manufacturing, R&D, Product Management and Quality teams to ensure security of supply, optimise cost, drive supplier innovation and support ambitious sustainability objectives.

What you'll be responsible for

• Developing and executing a global category strategy for one of the organisation's most critical raw material portfolios.
• Managing approximately €100M annual spend across a global supplier base.
• Building long-term strategic supplier partnerships while negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Investigating and developing commodity hedging strategies to minimise market volatility and protect business performance.
• Identifying opportunities for cost optimisation, supplier innovation and continuous value creation.
• Supporting carbon reduction and circular economy initiatives through sustainable sourcing strategies.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across 12 international manufacturing locations.
• Playing a key role in implementing a next-generation AI-enabled Source-to-Pay platform, leveraging procurement analytics and automation to improve decision making.
• Monitoring market trends, commodity indices and geopolitical developments to proactively manage risk and ensure business continuity.

What we're looking for

You’ll ideally bring:

• Significant strategic procurement experience within chemicals, polymers, plastics, petrochemicals or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience managing large, international raw material categories and complex supplier portfolios.
• Strong commercial negotiation and contract management capability.
• Knowledge of commodity markets, ideally including PVC, plasticizers, polymers or oil-derived raw materials.
• Experience developing category strategies that balance cost, supply security, innovation and sustainability.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across manufacturing, technical and commercial functions.
• A genuine interest in procurement transformation, digital procurement and data-driven decision making.
• Fluency in English, with additional European languages considered advantageous.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is far more than a traditional category management role.

You'll join at a pivotal point in the organisation's procurement journey, with the opportunity to:

• Lead one of the company's most strategically important global spend categories.
• Influence sourcing strategy across multiple international manufacturing sites.
• Help shape the future of procurement through AI, automation and advanced analytics.
• Work with senior stakeholders in a highly visible international role.
• Drive measurable commercial, operational and sustainability improvements.
• Develop your career within a collaborative, global procurement function that genuinely values innovation and continuous improvement.

If you're looking for a position where your commercial expertise, market knowledge and strategic thinking can make a real impact on a global business, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.