Category Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

The Category Manager – Direct Materials leads sourcing strategy and execution for critical raw material categories, including Nylon Additives, Packaging, and Cylinder Gases. This role owns supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, and category performance while partnering closely across the organization to ensure reliable supply across manufacturing sites.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Deliver year-over-year cost, cash flow, and supply reliability improvements.

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned to business needs.

• Strengthen supplier performance and partnerships.

• Build actionable market intelligence to inform sourcing decisions.

• Ensure supply continuity through proactive risk management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Category Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute multi-year sourcing strategies for assigned categories.

• Define sourcing approaches (contracts, spot, dual sourcing) aligned to market conditions and demand.

• Lead supplier selection, qualification, and long-term partnership development.

Commercial & Supplier Management

• Lead negotiations and manage contracts to optimize cost, service, and risk.

• Serve as the primary commercial interface with strategic suppliers.

• Establish and drive supplier performance metrics and improvement actions.

Market Intelligence & Risk

• Monitor market dynamics, cost drivers, and emerging risks.

• Translate insights into sourcing actions and risk mitigation plans.

• Support sustainability initiatives, including alternative materials and sourcing strategies.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner with Business Line and Planning to align sourcing with demand forecasts and inventory strategies.

• Collaborate with broader procurement team to ensure efficient execution and supplier onboarding.

• Work across Business Line, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and Legal to align priorities.

Performance & Governance

• Deliver cost savings and working capital improvements.

• Track category and supplier performance against defined metrics.

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and standards.

TEAM AND INTERACTIONS

• Reports to: Director – Direct Materials Procurement

• Partners cross-functionally with Business, Planning, Procurement Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and Legal. Interfaces externally with key suppliers.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.

• 7+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, sales, marketing, or engineering supporting manufacturing.

• Knowledge of sourcing processes, contracts, and procurement systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strategic category management capability, with the ability to develop and execute multi-year sourcing strategies.

• Analytical and financial acumen, including ability to interpret market, cost, and performance data.

• Process discipline and continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to implement structured sourcing processes, ensure data integrity, and improve procurement performance.

• Effective communication and influencing skills across functions and levels of the organization.

• Ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships with Planning, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and Legal.

• Sound judgment and risk management capability in dynamic supply environments.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities ​​for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.