The Manager, Global Category Additives will be responsible for leading the strategic procurement activities related to additives within the lubricants sector. This role involves managing global sourcing strategies, vendor relationships, and category management for additives, ensuring alignment with overall business goals. The individual will drive cost-effective purchasing, mitigate supply chain risks, and ensure the best quality and innovation for the company’s products.
Responsibilities
· Develop and implement category strategies for additives, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and market trends.
· Build and maintain strong relationships with key global suppliers of additives, negotiating contracts, and ensuring favourable terms.
· Identify opportunities for cost savings and value creation in the additives category while maintaining high-quality standards.
· Work closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure that additive sourcing aligns with product development and operational needs.
· Continuously monitor market trends, commodity prices, and emerging technologies to proactively adjust sourcing strategies.
· Identify potential supply chain risks, and develop contingency plans to ensure an uninterrupted supply of additives.
· Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the additives category, including cost savings, supplier performance, and procurement efficiency.
· Ensure all procurement activities comply with legal, ethical, and environmental standards, contributing to the company’s sustainability initiatives.
Qualifications & Key Skills
Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Economics or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in procurement or category management, ideally in the lubricants or automotive chemicals sector.
Strong understanding of the additives market, supplier dynamics, and cost management strategies.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
Witan Search has refined its search process to create a new formula for successful recruitment in the chemical, personal care and manufacturing sectors. With extensive industry-specific experience, our team understands our clients' challenges and delivers talent that meets both technical and strategic needs. Operating across the EMEA region, we are experts in navigating the complexities of hiring top-tier professionals where expertise and skill are vital for success.
Our Specialist areas are Chemicals, Specialty Chemicals, Manufacturing, Personal Care, Automotive Lubricants, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers, Coatings, Additives, Food & Beverage Industry, Chemical Manufacturing, Metalworking & Fabrication, Metalworking Fluids, and Plastics.
