Category Lead - Distributors & Portfolio Management

Job Description:

Category Lead - Distributors & Portfolio Management  

Role Overview:  

We are looking for a Category Lead to drive the Distributors & Portfolio Management cluster for Advanced Materials Raw Materials across EAME and AMER. This is a newly created global role based in Krakow, Poland, within the Advanced Materials business and Purchasing function. The role focuses on improving how a highly fragmented raw material and supplier portfolio is managed, with emphasis on distributor governance, tail supplier management, portfolio simplification, supply continuity and cross-functional execution. It is a strategic optimization role for someone who can challenge existing ways of working and help build a more scalable sourcing model for this cluster.

Do you think you’re the right fit for this opportunity? Apply today! 

Role Responsibilities: 

As a Category Lead, you will be responsible for: 

• Developing and executing the category strategy for the Distributors & Portfolio Management cluster across EAME and AMER. 
• Building a structured approach to distributor management, tail supplier governance and supplier-base optimization. 
• Identifying opportunities to consolidate suppliers, rationalize low-volume raw materials and improve sourcing efficiency while protecting business continuity. 
• Working closely with Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Finance and Commercial teams to support portfolio simplification and complexity reduction projects. 
• Creating practical governance for new raw material introductions, supplier onboarding, alternative sourcing and portfolio changes. 
• Using spend, supplier, part-number, risk, quality and supply performance data to identify priorities and support fact-based decisions. 
• Supporting supplier performance management, including supply reliability, quality, lead time, phase-out risk and continuity of supply. 
• Preparing clear recommendations, business cases and progress updates for regional and global leadership. 
• Building repeatable tools, dashboards and playbooks to improve how the cluster is managed over time. 
• Collaborating with regional stakeholders and sites in Europe and the USA. 

Experience and Competencies: 

We are looking for a self-driven strategic sourcing expert who can simplify complexity, drive supplier portfolio optimization and build effective sourcing solutions in a global environment.

What we are looking for: 

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business or a related field.
• 6–8+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supplier management or a related commercial role.
• Experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment is preferred; candidates from industries such as automotive, electronics, components or industrial manufacturing are encouraged to apply. Experience in chemicals or raw materials is an advantage.
• Proven ability to manage complex portfolios with many suppliers, distributors, part numbers or fragmented spend.
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier portfolio optimization and category strategy development.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Good understanding of supplier management, contract management, risk management and total cost considerations.
• Experience with distributor consolidation, tail supplier management, supplier rationalization or portfolio simplification would be an advantage.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics in a simple and structured way.
• Self-driven, proactive and collaborative, with the ability to work across regions, influence stakeholders and navigate complex procurement environments.
• Fluent English is required.

What next?

If you would like to join an innovative, collaborative and multicultural team, please apply now. Your application will be forwarded to a Talent Acquisition Partner, who will strive to get back to you as soon as they can. We understand that applying for a new job is a big decision and we will work hard to keep you updated and support you along the way.

About Us:

At Huntsman, we pride ourselves on being a people-oriented organization.

Our family-like atmosphere is cultivated by our diverse groups of team members around the world.

We welcome the talent, experience and fresh ideas that employees at all stages of their careers, from interns to seasoned professionals, bring to Huntsman.

In return, we offer you the opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic, industry-leading company, where safety and ethics always come first.

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