Highlights of Global Category Manager Catalyst Position

The Global Category Manager Catalysts is responsible for implementation, facilitation and influence of Catalysts and Precious Metals strategic sourcing activities for our Client’s global refineries and chemical sites.  The approximate spend in this category is $250m.  The combination of Catalyst and Process Chemicals has a large number of synergies because most Catalyst manufacturing uses many of the same Process Chemicals our Client sources.

The incumbent is expected to work with very minimal supervision and to network independently with senior leadership teams and key influence leaders across a wide spectrum of Sites, business groupings and Functions within our Client’s business segment.  Success for this role is defined by establishing forward looking category strategies which are supported by the business result in the appropriate sourcing activities to enable our Client to meet and more importantly beat the competition in terms of purchase cost, TCO, and/or supply stability.

Company Information

Our client is a Fortune 20 global energy leader.  With a workforce of nearly 100,000 employees, the client operates globally, with business activities and customers in more than 100 countries across six continents.

Job Location

Midwest US

Key Responsibilities of Global Category Manager Catalyst Position

• Engages Site Procurement Teams as well as other technical and commercial stakeholders to develop collaborative approaches to supply projects and to ensure cross discipline alignment on sourcing strategies.
• Actively influences senior site leadership to gain alignment as well as gain access to appropriate resources.
• Coaches and mentors Category Sourcing Specialists, Catalyst Coordinators, and site procurement staff to improve engagement with technical and commercial stakeholders and to establish communication channels between the sites and senior Procurement and business leadership.
• Supports implementation of PSCM agenda within manufacturing sites by championing procurement processes, tools and category strategies.
• Provides leadership and facilitation of appropriate Category Councils;
• Develops and communicates category strategy and actively manages procurement projects.
• Consults and participates in New Technology and Refining Technology projects and agendas as necessary.
• Manages 15-20 key supplier relationships for the category representing approximate spend of $250m.
• Actively tracks the supply market for Catalysts/Precious Metals and Process Chemicals to set forward-looking strategies and to capitalize on prevailing opportunities (e.g., technology impacts, alternative suppliers).
• Assists sites with implementing and continually improving their Catalysts/Precious Metals and Process Chemicals spend management.
• Maintains an understanding of key Catalysts/Precious Metals and Process Chemicals market drivers and utilize the market information to set future category strategy.
• Assesses the performance of Catalysts/Precious Metals and Process Chemicals providers across the wider manufacturing organization and develops action to improve performance.
• Champions use of Client’s chosen standard sourcing tools and methodologies when appropriate for the supply market including execution of sourcing events through e-sourcing technology.
• Employs financial analysis and economic modeling skills to evaluate supplier proposals, pricing, and flexible contractual pricing models.
• Identifies, implements, and realizes total cost value, utilizing best-in-class methods (e.g., should-cost modeling, market intelligence) and tools.
• Uses knowledge of commercial contract law to guide the development and assessment of pertinent contractual terms and conditions in conjunction with Client’specific standards.
• Responsible for mitigating supply risks through various means, i.e. qualification of new sources of supply, working with stakeholders to develop alternative materials.
• Has experience in sourcing chemicals within global as well as diverse markets including experience in low-cost country sourcing.
• Develops and manages supplier relationships for strategic Catalysts/Precious Metals and Process Chemicals suppliers, including:
  • Monitors and ensures continuous improvement of supplier performance
  • Establishes appropriate supplier governance processes
  • Manages key supply arrangements per agreed measures
• Supports the sites in the implementation of new contracts and supplier management of change, ensuring effective hand-over to site personnel, and that they have an understanding of contract terms.
• Champion of supplier innovation with key Manufacturing stakeholders and leadership which can contribute to Client’s success in the future.

Essential Qualifications and/or Requirements

• Minimum of B.S. or equivalent in Supply Chain or a relevant engineering, scientific or business discipline.
• A solid track record of exceptional savings performance and delivery over a number of years of experience comprising a mix of operations, business and supply chain management skills preferably in a Refining (Oil & Gas) industry.
• Demonstrate relentless drive and determination to achieve success.
• Set clear direction and priorities.
• Foster effective teamwork and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to develop wide and diverse networks.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior management, teams and individuals across multiple cultures, disciplines and geographies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and influence third parties such as suppliers, governmental organizations and partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage organization and behavioral change.
• Willingness to travel and develop first hand understanding of Sites and the wider organizational challenges.
• Experience in collaborating with multiple sites to drive common solutions.

Desired Qualifications

• Implemented Catalysts/Precious Metals and Process Chemicals programs in a large scale process based manufacturing facilities preferably in the oil and gas or petrochemical.
• Direct sourcing experience in low cost countries such as China and other Asian countries.
• ISM certification.
• Experience of and/or expertise in one or more of the following systems: SAP, Ariba e-sourcing, and Maximo.
• Understanding or firsthand experience with Refinery processes (specifically catalytic) as well as refinery economic modeling.

About the Author:

The Teldar Group is an Executive Search and Recruiting Firm specializing in placing professionals in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain positions.

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