Job Description

SUMMARY

The Category Manager responsibilities are considered integral to the success and profitability of the business.   The job of the Category Manager is to develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for their respective categories. The Category Manager will manage the IT/IS services, hardware, licenses, the preferred vendor base, identify cost reduction opportunities, negotiate contracts, and evaluate market conditions for potential opportunities and threats to their categories and the company.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

Develops and executes strategies for the sourcing, procurement and logistics of assigned categories for Westlake North America HIP and PEM divisions.
Identify and implement best in class sourcing strategy and practices which support continuity of supply, quality, cost and business unit requirements.
Develop and implement category objectives using key performance indicators.   Manage category objectives to insure the KPI’s are met.
Utilize strategic sourcing practices, processes and techniques across the organization to provide the best total cost supply chain solution.
Establish and lead cross functional teams to develop, execute and maintain cross company sourcing strategies driving acceptance and use of a consolidated strategic supply base.
Monitor cross functional teams to maintain compliance with establish strategic strategies and preferred vendors.
Directs market analysis for all historical and potential future category purchases. Assesses the ability of the category strategy to satisfy Westlake’s volume, quality, performance and total delivered cost requirements.
Develops and implements global category cost reduction strategies addressing material cost, logistics cost, and quality. 
Executes projects leading to specific reductions in category costs contributing to each business’ EBITDA performance.
Directs development of routine category cost forecasts supporting each business’ financial forecast.
Recommends processes, systems, and performance management reporting for category purchasing activities.
Collaborates with Legal on contract negotiations, management and execution; collaborates with HS&E and regulatory SME’s to ensure safety and compliance of category purchases and logistics methods with preferred suppliers.
Establish a preferred supply base and manage via suppler relationship management programs, including supplier scorecards/reviews to drive continuous improvement.
Understand applicable company policy and insure personal and team compliance including the procurement policy and procedures, Sox controls and DOA.
Lead RFX, negotiations, supplier sourcing, contract negotiations and compliance management for defined commodity groups.
Any other responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

B.S. in Engineering, B.A. Supply Chain/Procurement, or related field, or progressive experience in purchasing field acceptable to management.  Master’s degree in Business is beneficial.
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the IT/IS, manufacturing, petroleum refining or petrochemical industries.  Preferred Services or related sourcing experience.
Knowledge of plant purchasing, plant warehouse and contract negotiations/ management.
Strong written & verbal communication skills, as well as effective presentation skills. 
Strong Microsoft Power Point, Word and Excel skills. Strong analytical skills required, SAP experience is highly desirable.
Extensive knowledge of petrochemical industries and related category spend.
Business management skills including the ability to develop and execute strategy. Solid understanding of business disciplines and financial information.
Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence all levels of employees and management, both inside the company and externally with suppliers.
Ability to make decisions or recommendations that are “data based” and align decisions with strategies. Considers the impacts of decisions on other parts of the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.