Global Category Manager, Chemicals

Global Category Manager, Chemicals – Louis Dreyfus Company

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, LDC operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Category Specialist, Supplies, North America

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position:
Define and execute the NAM category strategy for chemicals, packaging, and other supplies, and source those supplies following established purchasing policies and procedures to optimize total cost, price, delivery, and terms. This role is on a hybrid schedule of 4 days in office and 1 day from home.

• Define sourcing strategies for NAM Chemicals and Packaging supplies, executing strategies locally following global defined category strategies.
• Lead sourcing activities on purchasing chemicals and packaging supplies, optimizing total cost, price, delivery, and terms.
• Deliver value through effective negotiation strategies that reduce costs and risks while improving supplier performance and encouraging innovation.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends, supplier capabilities, and category landscape changes for traditional and emerging solutions.
• Collaborate with legal and risk management teams to mitigate risks via review of terms and conditions.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships and conduct supplier performance reviews.
• Design and conduct market analyses/benchmarking, leveraging insights to inform category strategy.
• Collaborate with users and stakeholders to understand needs and provide procurement solutions.
• Utilize SAP and Ariba for sourcing, contracts, and supplier management.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and procurement best practices.
• Drive cost‑saving initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.

• High school education.
• Minimum 5 years of strategic sourcing experience for chemicals and packaging in industrial facilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Supply Chain Management or related field.

• Understanding of purchasing processes and workflows.
• Proficiency in SAP and Ariba.
• Strong procurement best‑practice knowledge.
• Experience with production, quality, and supply‑chain departments.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Capability to work independently and in teams in fast‑paced environments.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, strategic and critical‑thinking skills.
• Results‑driven with customer‑service orientation.
• Knowledge of supplies/categories including chemicals, packaging, energy.
• Contract specification reading and administration skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset working with finance, compliance and other functions.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage time constraints and make decisions on total cost of ownership.
• Advanced Microsoft Office suite skills.
• Excellent organization and follow‑through.
• Multicultural and global interaction experience preferred.

• Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, fax.

• Climate‑controlled office environment; travel to field locations as required.
• Occasional extensions of regular hours for time‑sensitive projects or emergencies.

• No supervisory responsibility.

• Autonomous self‑starter with strong detail orientation, organization, and teamwork.
• Persuasive and tactful with vendors and employees to achieve company goals.

• Comprehensive benefits program: medical, dental, vision, FSA, employee assistance, life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Family‑friendly benefits: childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building support.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.
• Flexible work options where applicable.

LDC upholds shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion integral to our DNA. We are an…