Category Manager - Direct Sourcing (Metals & Derivatives)

Category Manager - Direct Sourcing (Metals & Derivatives)

Job Location : Columbia, MD, US, 21044

Company : W. R. Grace & Co. Annual Wage Range : $103,975.20 - $142,965.90

Other Compensation : Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses

Benefits : U.S. Employee Benefits Summary

Job Description

The Category Manager Metals & Derivatives is a key member of the Global Procurement Organization, responsible for developing and executing global and regional sourcing strategies for key metals and metal compounds, including Aluminum and its derivatives. This role manages a portfolio with an annual spend of $180M and partners closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver productivity, supply reliability, and risk mitigation. The Category Manager supports Grace's three business units and 20+ manufacturing sites, driving productivity, supply reliability, and risk mitigation. The Category Manager is part of a broader team of Category Managers and Senior Supplier Relationship Managers located across major global regions.

The Global Procurement Organization team culture is built on :

• Collaboration & Trust : We foster open communication, shared accountability, and strong cross-functional partnerships.
• Performance & Growth : We support professional development through mentorship, coaching, and stretch assignments.
• Innovation & Insight : We value data-driven decision-making and encourage diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges.
• Integrity & Impact : We operate with transparency and a commitment to delivering measurable results.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement category strategies to optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) and ensure supply reliability.

Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and guide execution through regional Sr. Supplier Relationship Managers.

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Drive productivity through cost reduction, cost avoidance, and cash preservation.

Lead complex negotiations and influence senior leadership across supplier and internal teams.

Oversee responsible sourcing compliance across the global procurement organization.

Collaborate with third-party sustainability partners to ensure supply chain due diligence.

Utilize SAP Ariba, Analytics Cloud, and Salesforce to manage contracts, track performance, and share insights.

Support issue resolution and escalation for suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in operations, supply chain management, business, engineering, or science.

7+ years of experience in global industrial / manufacturing environments, with 5+ years in strategic sourcing.

Expertise in sourcing raw materials, metals, derivatives, and / or specialty or commodity chemicals.

Successful experience developing and executing category strategies across multiple manufacturing sites.

Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated business acumen and experience in complex, multi-level negotiations.

Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis (pivot tables, large datasets), and enterprise systems (SAP Ariba, Analytics Cloud, Salesforce, SharePoint).

Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Life Insurance and Disability; Grace Wellness Program; Flexible Workplace; Retirement Plans; 401(k) Company Match; Paid Vacation and Holidays; Parental Leave (salaried only); Tuition Reimbursement; Company Donation Match Program