Senior Category Manager(Indirect) - MRO

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend is currently searching for a Senior Category Manager to be located in our downtown Houston office. As a member of the Procurement organization, the Senior Category Manager(Indirect) - MRO will provide leadership in the development and implementation of short-medium-long term strategies in assigned commodities.  In addition, this position will drive category management across multiple manufacturing facilities with a scope of up to $70M in spend and will be responsible for measuring, reporting and improving supplier performance.

The Senior Category Manager will be responsible for key supplier relationships and contract negotiations as well as defining, identifying and implementing key metrics, tools and systems to create alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. The successful candidate will utilize their experience to develop and implement a strategic approach regarding supplier selection. 

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Drive year-over-year value as defined by the annual strategic plan.
• Develop short term and long-term category management strategies.
• Identify and implement metrics, tools, and systems to ensure successful execution of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Develop strong market knowledge.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders in business, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, and technology to develop key strategic supplier relationships and manage supplier performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term category management strategies in collaboration with key internal stakeholders.
• Develop key strategic supplier relationships and function effectively as the primary communication point between internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts to support category strategies with focus on price competitiveness, cash flow, reliability, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
• Execute enterprise wide strategic RFQs
• Assess and deliver on opportunities to support the company’s sustainability goals.
• Analyze key indirect materials and labor markets and spend data to identify cost savings/productivity opportunities.
• Achieve productivity metrics to exceed the annual business plan.
• Support Supplier Quality Management program, identify and implement key supplier metrics to monitor and measure supplier performance.
• Implement corrective actions to improve supplier performance when necessary.
• Ensure standards for ethical conduct are in place and are being adhered to.

REPORTS TO

Procurement Manager

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• BS/BA degree in related technical field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Procurement or Engineering with a background in strategic purchasing of equipment, materials and services in support of business and manufacturing operations
• Knowledge of procurement systems and purchasing policies, procedures, and laws
• Experience working in an ERP environment; GEP and SAP experience preferred
• Six Sigma or Lean desirable

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Must exhibit strong communication, analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Category strategy development expertise
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to drive complex projects to completion within a short period of time
• Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the business
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail with ability to learn quickly
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment - Should be able to multi-task with proven follow-through and adherence to changing priorities and deadlines

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Skills Summary:

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities ​​for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.