Regional Category Manager (F/M/X)

Solvay is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

About the role

Our Regional Industrial team, composed of 5 people, is integrated in the Procurement department and focuses on designing category strategies to optimize value and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

As an Industrial Regional Category Manager, your role is to optimize service costs and good costs, drive efficiency and operational reliability through strategic supplier partnerships, and maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance. You will work in close collaboration with Solvay site main stakeholders (site directors,  maintenance team, reliability team, warehouse team as well as business stakeholders). Within Procurement, you will collaborate with the Site Procurement Manager and Site Buyers to ensure alignment and effective execution of category strategies. You will get the opportunity to contribute to cost-saving initiatives and have a positive impact on site efficiency. You will be accountable for:

• Developing and implementing regional category strategies for goods and services
• Conduct in-depth market analysis and supplier identification to locate highly qualified providers.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to the business on category-related matters
• Lead the entire Request for Quotation (RFQ), and negotiation processes for complex  contracts, focusing on scopes of work, service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), safety records, and total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Negotiate and manage master agreements (MAs), statements of work (SOWs), and performance-based contracts, ensuring robust terms, clear responsibilities.
• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders across different functions (Engineering, Excellence..)  and regions
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, ethical standards, and company policies
• Fostering growth in the use of e-tools
• Analysing supplier spend and savings trends; investigating trend variances; and propose, implement, and monitor cost savings initiatives

We offer a permanent contract based on a hybrid working mode (according to the collective agreement) at our industrial plant in Torrelavega, Spain.

About you

Relevant education degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Engineering or a related field. 6+ years of experience in category management, preferably on service contracts, strategic sourcing, or procurement, in the chemical industry or a related sector. Proven track record of developing and executing successful category strategies in a transversal organization.

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and strong leadership skills, as well as strong understanding of procurement principles, best practices, and market dynamics
• Analytical skills and technical knowledge of production facilities
• ERP knowledge
• Fluency in Spanish and English

Behaviors:

• Collaborative spirit
• Positive mindset, open-minded and curious
• Result-oriented

About the pay

Attractive and equitable pay for all: compensation is determined within a range to foster your development in the role. The base pay expected for this role is € 64,000 - € 80,000 per year in Spain.

Your salary may ultimately be higher or lower based on your skills and experience. Additionally, we provide a competitive total rewards package that includes a bonus and/or other incentives.

Benefits:

• Solvay Cares program: minimum of 16 weeks of parenting leave for all employees and package with healthcare, disability and life insurance coverage.
• Prioritization of well-being: work-life balance promotion, flexible approach to work part-time or hybrid work arrangements (depending on the type of job), employee assistance program with access to physical and psychological support.
• Professional development: prioritization of internal talents for career progression, access to a training platform, opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for experience sharing and mentorship and free language courses.

About us

• Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. As a world-leading company with €4.7 billion in net sales in 2024 and listings on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB), its unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition.
• At Solvay, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

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