Rail 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 Inland Logistics team for North America, composed of 7 people, is integrated in the Procurement department and focuses on strategic procurement of rail freight, liquid and dry bulk transportation, and transloading terminal logistics services in collaboration with Solvay's businesses and Logistics Service Providers..

• As a Rail Category Manager, you will work on sourcing, selection, negotiation, and contracting to support Solvay in North America. You will get the opportunity to contribute to optimizing freight spend and logistics operations and have a positive impact on value creation opportunities for the business.

• You will be accountable for:

  • Developing and maintaining Category Strategies for Rail, Road Dry & Liquid Transportation, and Transloading Terminals services in North America.

  • Negotiating, developing, and managing contracts with logistics suppliers and the Solvay Legal team.

  • Proactively identifying and collaboratively working with the business to achieve value creation opportunities.

  • Developing and maintaining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure service levels of the suppliers and categories under your scope.

  • Ensuring that the Solvay Procurement Process is strictly followed and coordinating with HSE to ensure supplier compliance with regulations.

• We offer a permanent contract based hybrid working mode.

About you

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related field

• Relevant work experience of a minimum of 5 years in procurement or operational activities in rail and/or bulk transportation services.

• Proficiency in general computer systems (Excel, Word, Access, etc.) is essential; experience with SAP and TMS (Transportation Management Systems) is a significant advantage.

• Competencies:

  • Proven negotiation and analytical skills

  • Strong presentation, written, and verbal communication skills

  • Experience in the use of procurement tools (e-sourcing/e-auction, contract management, etc.)

  • Clear understanding of logistics terms and concepts.

• Behaviors:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills.

  • Strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration.

  • Proven ability to lead effectively in a multicultural environment

About the pay and benefits

• Attractive and equitable pay for all: compensation is determined within a range to foster your development in the role. While the USA base pay reasonably expected for this role is $124,000.00 to $155,000.00, 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.

• 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 in 24 languages.

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 €4.9 billion in net sales in 2023 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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