Global Category Manager

We welcome you to an ambitious and growing global company, where we take pride in what we achieve together.

At Hempel, we’re on a mission to double our impact. From decorative paint to marine coatings across the world. To succeed, we need you, your ideas, drive and ambition.

We are redefining our global Procurement organization by introducing Global Category Management. This transformation is enhancing our ability to scale efficiently as we continue to grow our business, which is why we are now scouting for a new team of four Global Category Managers.

We are seeking for strategic leaders with passion for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for global product or service categories, and the vision to align them with our business objectives.

This is your opportunity to play a strategic role and influence the future success of our company.

This role involves playing a key part in leading and making decisions on core category strategies, with end-to-end accountability in collaboration with sourcing category teams. It offers the opportunity to work with a team with varied strengths of high-reaching and dedicated colleagues from various backgrounds, providing an outstanding global network. The position can be based in any of our offices in Spain (Polinyà), the United Kingdom (Darwen), Denmark (Kongens Lyngby), or Germany (Pinneberg), and reports directly to one of the two Global Category Directors.

What can you Look forward to

This role involves taking full ownership of supervising market developments and adjusting category strategies to assemble opportunities for cost and performance optimization. Leading cost optimization initiatives by tracking market trends, selecting suppliers, and conducting negotiations in the paints and coatings industry will be crucial. Additionally, overseeing all aspects of sourcing to contract activities, including tenders, negotiations, and deal closures, is required.

Running the contract portfolio lifecycle, including assessment, optimization, terminations, and re-negotiations, will be a key responsibility. Building and handling strategic supplier relationships to achieve targets for cost optimization, sustainability, and supplier performance is crucial. Collaborating with internal and external partners to support and drive activities aligned with business goals will ensure global category performance are met and outperformed.

To be successful in this role, you will need to

Hold a Bachelor's or master’s degree in economics, Procurement, or Supply Chain, and bring proven experience in category management with global exposure. Your expertise in strategy development and value-based pricing methodologies sets you apart. You possess strong analytical and numerical skills, and you understand the importance of sustainability in a business context. You are proficient in English, and any additional languages you speak are a valuable advantage.

Experience in Chemicals and Coatings industry is a big plus, especially if you have experience within these categories:  Alkyd & Polyester Resins, Plasticizers, Oils and Waxes, Extenders & Flatteners, Water Borne Binders and Additives, or Distributor Chemicals.

Sounds like a match?

Welcome to apply! Click the ‘Apply for position’ button in the top-right corner and submit your application letter with a CV in English via our recruitment system. For further information about the job, please contact Sander Kemper, alke@hempel.com

More about Hempel

At Hempel, you’re welcomed into a global community of 7,500 colleagues around the world. A workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect and support for each other.

We’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players. Which is why, from day one, your input, ideas and initiative are not only welcomed but expected. In return, you will enjoy great opportunities for development in a growing global company – and be part of the solution by contributing to our global impact.

At Hempel, we are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe, valued and treated equally, in an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work. We believe that inclusion is key to innovation, and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents, we can achieve great things, together.

We are proud to be majority owned by the Hempel Foundation, dedicated to philanthropic activities, with our earnings contributing to many charitable initiatives every year. It means that when you work at Hempel, your hard work and dedication contribute to a greater cause, making your career matter twice.

Learn more about Hempel and our commitments on hempel.com/career.

#Hybrid

Application due

2025-02-03

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Job Functions

Finance, Management, Purchasing, Strategy / Planning, Supply Chain

Industry

Chemicals

At Hempel, you’re welcomed to a global community of +7000 colleagues around the world. A workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect and support for each other. 

We’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players. Which is why, from day one, your input, ideas and initiative are not only welcomed, but expected. In return, you will enjoy great opportunities for development in a growing global company – and be part of the solution by contributing to our global impact. 

At Hempel, we are committed to everyone feeling safe, valued and treated equally, in an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work.  We believe that inclusion is key to innovation and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents,  we can achieve great things, together.