Category Manager

Job Summary

The Category Manager for Raw Materials is responsible for developing, implementing , and managing sourcing strategies for raw material categories that support company operations. The role focuses on managing expenditures negotiated, optimizing total cost of ownership, ensuring supply continuity, driving value through market intelligence, and effectively managing relationships with key business, manufacturing partners, and strategic supplier contacts.

This role will be located at San Luis Potosí, México, reporting tu the US. Some travel to the United States may be required.  Frequency is expected to be minimal.

Key Responsibilities

Activities and duties will vary dependent upon functional area assigned.  Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute category strategies for raw materials aligned with business objectives and manufacturing requirements.
• Conduct market analysis (pricing trends, supply-demand dynamics, suppliers landscape) to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, negotiations, and contracting for strategic suppliers.
• Lead commercial negotiations and collaborate with Legal on contractual terms, commercial terms, and pricing as part of the critical contract development and execution phase.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring compliance with KPIs, SLAs, and sustainability standards.
• Ensure deployment of strategic sourcing plans linked to production needs, logistics, and business economics.
• Drive cost optimization, value creation (cost savings, cost avoidance, supply assurance, innovation impact, working capital improvement), and continuous improvement initiatives (productivity, innovation, digitalization).
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, technical, logistics, and finance teams to manage risks and ensure supply continuity.
• Implement performance metrics and reporting systems to monitor category effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Identify and develop sustainable sourcing initiatives and supplier development programs.
• Act as subject matter expert for assigned raw material categories.
• Handles administrative updates and troubleshoots issues (supply, invoicing, compliance). Clearly communicates company procurement policies, drives compliance and risk‑mitigation efforts, and contributes to a strong governance culture

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred or recognized equivalent).
• 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
• Experience in raw materials sourcing (chemicals, polymers, feedstocks, or similar industries preferred).
• Strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• English required: Conversational level (B2 o superior) with strong reading comprehension skills for daily communication and document review.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and category strategy development
• Advanced negotiation skills
• Supplier relationship management
• Market research and spend analytics
• Risk management and supply continuity planning
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Sustainability mindset and digital acumen
• Analytical thinking and proactive, self-driven execution

Competencies