Category Manager (Hybrid)

Our customers include the world’s most advanced and specialized automotive, steel, aluminum, aerospace, offshore, can and mining companies. As the EMEA Category Manager , you will develop and implement a vision, strategy, and tactical plan for your assigned category, supported by a robust management platform. You will be responsible for maximizing supplier value through optimal sourcing strategies, efficient resource deployment, and strong alignment with our Procurement Leadership Team.

This role reports to the Manager, Direct Procurement EMEA, and involves close collaboration with global counterparts across Quaker Houghton.

Lead the practical adoption of the cross-functional Category Management process to deliver purchasing strategies for your assigned category and sub-categories.

Create, communicate, and maintain global category strategies for direct materials, managing up to $50M in spend.

Develop and execute negotiation strategies, conduct RFx processes, analyze results, and present comprehensive strategies and outcomes to senior management and key stakeholders to ensure business alignment.

Oversee supplier selection and performance management, ensuring alignment with category strategy, business objectives, and company policies.

Proactively segment suppliers and implement engagement programs to enhance performance, achieve business goals, and maintain strategic alignment with senior procurement leaders and stakeholders.

Collaborate with global and regional teams to allocate resources to prioritized projects.

Deliver structural cost savings, supplier rationalization, contract implementation, DPO enhancement, and other key performance indicators to meet or exceed targets.

Proven track record in developing and executing strategic sourcing plans, ideally within a global procurement matrix organization.

Professional proficiency in English is required.

Hybrid working arrangement for better work-life balance

~ Health insurance, Pension plan and other additional benefits

~ Vacation days as per "Convenio Colectivo General de la Industria Química" additional to the local official holidays

~Access to real career growth opportunities in Procurement, Supply Chain or other related areas of interest, in an international environment where autonomy and initiative are expected.

~ Continuous training tools for all seniority levels.

~ DEI and Recognition initiatives such as Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen and PRIDE CRGs and our Global Giving and Impact Awards programs.

We are the global leader in industrial process fluids present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world’s steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us.