Global Category Manager, Chemicals

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Category Specialist, Supplies, North America

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

This position is responsible for defining and executing the NAM category strategy for chemicals, packaging and other supplies, and for defining and executing the sourcing of those supplies following established purchasing policies and procedures, aiming to optimize total cost, price, delivery, and terms.

This role is on a hybrid schedule of 4 days in office and 1 day from home.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Define sourcing strategies for NAM Chemicals and Packaging supplies. Executes sourcing strategies locally following the global defined category strategies.
• Lead the sourcing activities on purchasing Chemicals and Packaging, supplies following established purchasing policies and procedures and optimizing total cost, price, delivery, and terms.
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• Delivers value through the implementation of effective negotiation strategies that reduce both organizational costs and risks while improving supplier/business partner performance and encouraging innovation from the supply base. ·
• Maintains knowledge of current trends, supplier capabilities and changes within the category landscape for traditional and emerging solutions. ·
• Works with internal Legal and Risk Management teams to mitigate risk through the review of both legal and business terms and conditions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors. Responsible for supplier performance review and feedback to vendors
• Develop, implement and handle robust market analyses / bench-marking processes; leverage key insights to inform and support the category strategy development process. Applies knowledge in contract development including key contracting principles, standard terms, laws/regulations and industry standards.
• Collaborate and maintain close communication with users and critical stakeholders to understand their needs and provide timely procurement solutions.
• Utilize SAP and Ariba for procurement processes, including sourcing, contracts, and supplier management.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and best practices in procurement.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining high standards of quality and service.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualification:

• High School Education.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing of supplies (chemicals and packaging), specifically in sourcing for industrial facilities.

Preferred qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Science, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• Knowledge of purchasing processes and workflows
• Proficiency in SAP and Ariba.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and best practices.
• Experience working with production, quality, and supply chain departments.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strategic and critical thinking skills
• Results driven
• Strong customer service orientation
• Knowledge of supplies and direct materials categories including Chemicals, Packaging, Energy
• Ability to read, interpret and administer contract specifications within the Procurement process
• Ability to continuously improve in a team environment, working with Finance, Industry, Compliance and other relevant areas and other departments involved in the Source to Pay process
• Ability to work under pressure with time constraints
• Ability to work with minimal supervision with solid decision-making skills related to the sourcing of Materials and Services with consideration given to Total Cost of Ownership.
• Software knowledge: Microsoft Office suite (advanced skill set).
• Excellent organization and follow-through skills
• Multicultural and global interacting experience is preferred.

Equipment Used

• Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, fax

Working Conditions

• Primarily climate-controlled office environment.  Requires travel to Company field locations, subject to requirements and management guidance. Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects, attend training or to respond to emergencies. 

Employee Supervision

• No supervisory responsibility.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Confident, autonomous self-starter.  Comfortable performing multifunctional tasks while achieving desired results.  Attentive to details and organized.  Energetic, enthusiastic, responsible and positive, regardless of obstacles.  Strong work ethics, a blend of hustle, process capability, and problem solving. Persuasive and tactful with vendors/employees while performing required functions and attaining company goals.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us