Senior Category Manager

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.

We are looking for a strategic and commercially astute Senior Category Manager to lead complex chemical categories and shape sourcing strategies that deliver sustainable value, resilience, and innovation over the long term.

This is a high‑impact opportunity for a procurement leader who enjoys connecting deep market insight with business priorities, navigating complexity with clarity, and building strong, trusted partnerships. The role is well suited to someone who thrives in dynamic environments and brings both analytical strength and a collaborative leadership style to their work.

As Senior Category Manager, you will own your assigned chemical categories end‑to‑end, acting as a strategic subject matter expert and trusted thought partner to senior stakeholders. You will develop forward‑looking category strategies, guide complex negotiations, and cultivate high‑performing supplier relationships that balance cost, supply security, innovation, risk, and responsible practices.

You will work closely with colleagues across commercial, operations, supply chain, technical, and global procurement teams, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives while thoughtfully navigating evolving industry and market dynamics.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Developing and executing integrated, forward‑looking category strategies
• Building transparent cost models and forecasting frameworks to support informed, data‑driven decision‑making
• Analyzing spend, demand, and market intelligence to uncover optimization opportunities and long‑term value creation
• Leading make‑versus‑buy and insourcing analyses using total cost of ownership principles
• Shaping supplier portfolio strategies, including volume allocation and thoughtful introduction of new partners
• Leading complex RFP processes and structuring award scenarios that balance commercial and strategic priorities
• Negotiating commercial agreements and nurturing long‑term, trust‑based supplier partnerships
• Overseeing contract structures, pricing models, performance metrics, and risk mitigation approaches
• Building and stewarding a preferred global supplier network
• Communicating strategy, risks, trade‑offs, and recommendations clearly and confidently to senior leadership
• Ensuring procurement strategies align with Environmental, Health & Safety standards and Responsible Care principles
• Engage and influence key internal stakeholders across commercial, operations, supply chain, and technical teams to ensure alignment and support for category strategies

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of sourcing experience or relevant technical experience (e.g., Product Management, R&D, Process Technology, or Production)
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA or MS preferred)
• Strong commercial judgment with experience leading complex, high‑value negotiations
• Demonstrated ability to develop cost models, forecasting frameworks, and insights‑driven strategies
• Solid knowledge of contract structures and pricing mechanisms
• Working knowledge of SAP preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas), PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability to influence and partner effectively with senior stakeholders across a matrixed organization
• Strong planning, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills
• Comfortable working within a fast‑paced, evolving global environment
• Clear, thoughtful written and verbal communication skills (additional language skills are a plus)
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative and inclusive approach

This will be a remote opportunity with up to 30% travel. #LI-remote

We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification.  If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

 

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, including Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

 

Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@solenis.com

The expected compensation range for this position is between $107,500.00 and $157,663.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.