Category Manager - Chemical Raw Materials

Our client, a global coating resins manufacturer headquartered in the Atlanta metro area, is seeking a Category Manager to own and execute category strategy for chemical raw materials and feedstocks across their Resins & Additives category.This is a high-impact individual contributor role managing approximately $50M in annual spend, with direct exposure to the CPO and significant visibility across a flat, fast-moving organization undergoing strategic transformation under new executive leadership.About the RoleThis position sits at the center of the company's most critical procurement category, partnering closely with the assigned business unit to translate market intelligence into sourcing decisions that directly impact margin, supply security, and growth. The successful candidate will bring deep knowledge of petrochemical feedstock markets and value chains, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to drive strategic change rather than maintain the status quo.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute raw material sourcing strategies through structured RFPs, negotiations, and supplier portfolio management to optimize Total Cost of Ownership.Lead high-impact commercial negotiations balancing price, terms, supply security, and risk exposure.Actively manage market volatility, anticipating supply and demand shifts and recommending proactive actions to the business.Build and maintain senior-level supplier relationships, understanding cost drivers, constraints, and strategic priorities.Lead quarterly business reviews with key suppliers focused on performance, reliability, and cost competitiveness.Translate market movements into commercial recommendations including pricing actions, contract structures, and risk mitigation strategies.Prepare monthly raw material price variance analyses, forecasts, and outlooks to support financial planning.Deliver against cost savings and value targets leveraging demand aggregation, specification optimization, and TCO levers.Ensure compliance with procurement processes, contracts, and relevant ISO standards.Qualifications and Experience8 or more years of sourcing or procurement experience within chemicals, specialty chemicals, oil and gas, or related manufacturing industries.Strong knowledge of chemical feedstocks and value chains including upstream cost drivers and downstream business impact.Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management for direct materials.Strong commercial and financial acumen including cost modeling, margin understanding, and pricing analysis.Ability to connect market dynamics to business implications across pricing, margin, availability, and risk.Comfort operating in volatile markets and making informed, timely decisions.Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and operate effectively in a matrix organization.Experience with SAP and Ariba is a plus.Bachelor's degree in Business, Chemistry, Supply Chain, or a related field.Preferred BackgroundExperience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:Petrochemical feedstock procurementCoating resins raw materialsSpecialty chemicalsEpoxy or polyurethane intermediatesAcrylates or styrene-based materials