Category Manager

Stepan Company•Northbrook, IL

6d•$86,000 - $116,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Stepan Co. is seeking an experienced and dynamic Category Manager to support Contract Manufacturing/Empty Packaging. This role is crucial in managing our contract manufacturing suppliers and ensuring optimal performance, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with our strategic goals. Responsibilities:• Supplier Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Ensure suppliers meet quality, delivery, and cost requirements.• Negotiations: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure the best terms and conditions, focusing on cost savings and value creation.• Strategic Sourcing: Identify and evaluate potential new suppliers. Develop and implement sourcing strategies to support business objectives.• Performance Monitoring: Monitor and analyze supplier performance metrics. Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives as necessary.• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders, including supply chain, operations, R&D, commercial, and quality teams, to ensure seamless operations.• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with contract manufacturing. Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions.• Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and best practices in contract manufacturing. Use this knowledge to drive improvements and competitive advantage.• Cost Management: Develop and manage budgets for contract manufacturing categories. Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.• Compliance: Ensure all contract manufacturing activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.• Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports on supplier performance, cost savings, and other key metrics to senior management.Qualifications• 2-5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or contract manufacturing.• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.• Proven track record of managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements.• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.• Proficiency in procurement software and tools.Education Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Knowledge of oilfield chemistry is preferred.

Requirements

2-5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or contract manufacturing.
Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proven track record of managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of oilfield chemistry is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supplier Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Ensure suppliers meet quality, delivery, and cost requirements.
Negotiations: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure the best terms and conditions, focusing on cost savings and value creation.
Strategic Sourcing: Identify and evaluate potential new suppliers. Develop and implement sourcing strategies to support business objectives.
Performance Monitoring: Monitor and analyze supplier performance metrics. Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives as necessary.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders, including supply chain, operations, R&D, commercial, and quality teams, to ensure seamless operations.
Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with contract manufacturing. Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions.
Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and best practices in contract manufacturing. Use this knowledge to drive improvements and competitive advantage.
Cost Management: Develop and manage budgets for contract manufacturing categories. Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
Compliance: Ensure all contract manufacturing activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.
Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports on supplier performance, cost savings, and other key metrics to senior management.