EMEA Procurement - Pigments Category Manager, Wellingborough
Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colourful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.
We are currently looking for an EMEA Procurement – Pigments Category Manager to join us at our facility in Wellingborough, UK. The Category Manager Procurement sets the organization’s procurement strategy for Pigments commodities within Axalta. This includes developing and executing strategies using best practices associated with RFP processes, process improvement, negotiations, and supplier development. As a Category Manager, you will act as the link to suppliers, translating the needs of our business to ensure the provision of products of superior quality and value, enabling us to supply only excellent quality finished products to our customers.
Axalta seeks a dynamic and experienced Regional Category Manager to oversee the Pigments category. This role involves driving growth, efficiency, and profitability by managing sourcing, procurement, and strategic direction of additives used in our coatings products. It offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the additives market to make a significant impact.
Key responsibilities:
1. Manage direct material spend of over $100 million.
2. Achieve year-over-year cost savings and margin improvements.
3. Evaluate current purchasing approaches and propose improvements.
4. Utilize e-technologies such as RFPs, internet auctions, and online vendor management.
5. Lead external pigment procurement to ensure quality, on-time delivery, and cost competitiveness.
6. Perform market analysis, benchmark analysis, and develop “should cost” models.
7. Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts to meet current and future needs.
8. Understand color indexes and their relation to coatings.
9. Execute agreements as the Buyer of Record.
10. Lead qualification projects for alternative or second-source suppliers and technologies.
11. Monitor and resolve issues within the order-to-pay process.
12. Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
13. Negotiate raw material costs for the category.
14. Manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive cost savings.
15. Analyze market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes.
16. Collaborate across functions to understand product requirements and drive cost and process improvements.
Key requirements:
1. Bachelor's Degree; Master’s degree is a plus.
2. 8-10 years of procurement experience, including 5 years in strategic category management and 2-3 years working in global teams.
3. Relevant experience in pigments and understanding of the global supply base; experience with procurement in pigments is a plus but not required.
4. Knowledge of manufacturing processes, critical feedstocks, and contracting directly with producers.
5. Deep understanding of the additives market, including key suppliers, pricing dynamics, and regulations.
6. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
7. System experience with Salesforce, Ariba, and SAP is required.
8. Bilingual in English and Spanish or Portuguese is a plus but not required.
Skills:
* Strong problem-solving and planning skills.
* Leadership skills including inspiring, uniting, developing, and influencing others.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to collaborate and influence at all organizational levels.
* High ethics and integrity, with the ability to handle confidential matters.
* Prioritization and critical path management skills.
Axalta operates in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, serving markets worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability, with goals such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and other initiatives, aiming to deliver innovative solutions globally.
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