Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Chemicals

BiOrigin Specialty Products has been perfecting the craft of sustainable specialty paper and tissue using a scientific and data-driven approach to produce products that people use every day, from antimicrobial coatings that fight off germs in the medical space to water-based barriers that lock-in flavors for our Food Service products. All of our products are engineered to maximize performance and meet the unique sustainability objectives.

We are proud of the sustainable legacy being created by our specialty products within our six paper mills throughout North America. We are investing in and developing a strategic sourcing group to leverage the synergies across our mill network and create value for our stakeholders.

Purpose:

This position is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for chemical commodities critical to BiOrigin Specialty Products' mills and product operations. Accountabilities include strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, cost and risk management, and ensuring continuity of supply while meeting quality, safety, regulatory, and sustainability requirements. The Source Category Manager - Chemicals partners cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, EHS, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain leadership to deliver value across the enterprise.

Key Accountabilities | Key Activities

Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and maintain multi-year category strategies for assigned chemical categories.
• Lead RFI/RFP processes including supplier identification, evaluation, scoring, and recommendation.
• Develop negotiation strategies and lead negotiations on pricing, commercial terms, and supply agreements.
• Monitor chemical market conditions, raw material indices, capacity constraints, and supply risks.
• Ensure sourcing strategies align with company values, safety standards, and sustainability objectives.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Own supplier relationship management for assigned chemical suppliers using defined performance metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and service.
• Lead supplier development initiatives, joint cost-reduction projects, and innovation opportunities.
• Manage and oversee corrective action plans when supplier performance issues arise.
• Coordinate supplier audits, site visits, and compliance reviews as required.

Contract & Commercial Management

• Administer supplier contracts to ensure compliance with commercial terms and service obligations.
• Maintain accurate supplier, contract, and pricing data within sourcing and ERP systems.
• Collaborate with Legal and internal stakeholders on contract development and risk mitigation.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Manage category spend analysis, pricing and volume modeling, and cost standard updates.
• Prepare financial forecasts, variance analysis, and market reports for assigned categories.
• Support budgeting, planning, and savings tracking initiatives.
• Provide clear and timely reporting on chemical spend, savings delivery, and risk exposure.

Cross-Functional Support & Subject Matter Expertise

• Partner with Operations, R&D, EHS, Quality, and Finance to ensure chemical requirements are met.
• Support new product development, mill trials, and process changes by sourcing qualified materials and suppliers.
• Serve as the internal subject-matter expert for assigned chemical categories.
• Travel to mills and supplier locations as required (up to 50%).

Minimum Qualifications (technical/professional skills, expertise and qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Chemistry, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or category management; chemical or process-industry experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex supply and commercial agreements.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with advanced Excel proficiency.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems; JD Edwards experience is a plus.
• Supply chain or procurement certification (CPSM, APICS/ASCM, etc.) preferred.
• Strong communication, influence, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions with incomplete or rapidly changing information.

Working Conditions (e.g., heat, cold, noise, etc.)

• Primarily remote office environment.
• Up to 50% travel expected
• Periodic exposure to manufacturing facilities with variable temperature, humidity, noise, and chemical environments.

Essential Physical Functions (e.g., lifting, bending, climbing, reading, etc.)

• Ability to travel by air and automobile.
• Ability to access manufacturing and supplier sites, including walking, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods as required.

Main Contacts (external and internal)

• Internal:
  Operations, R&D, EHS, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain Leadership
• External:
  Chemical suppliers, distributors, logistics providers, and industry partners