Category Lead - Distributors & Portfolio Management

Category Lead - Distributors & Portfolio Management

Role Overview

We are looking for a Category Lead to drive the Distributors & Portfolio Management cluster for Advanced Materials Raw Materials across EAME and AMER. This is a newly created global role based in Krakow, Poland, within the Advanced Materials business and Purchasing function. The role focuses on improving how a highly fragmented raw material and supplier portfolio is managed, with emphasis on distributor governance, tail supplier management, portfolio simplification, supply continuity and cross-functional execution. It is a strategic optimization role for someone who can challenge existing ways of working and help build a more scalable sourcing model for this cluster.

Do you think you’re the right fit for this opportunity? Apply today!

Role Responsibilities

As a Category Lead, you will be responsible for

• Developing and executing the category strategy for the Distributors & Portfolio Management cluster across EAME and AMER.
• Building a structured approach to distributor management, tail supplier governance and supplier-base optimization.
• Identifying opportunities to consolidate suppliers, rationalize low-volume raw materials and improve sourcing efficiency while protecting business continuity.
• Working closely with Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Finance and Commercial teams to support portfolio simplification and complexity reduction projects.
• Creating practical governance for new raw material introductions, supplier onboarding, alternative sourcing and portfolio changes.
• Using spend, supplier, part-number, risk, quality and supply performance data to identify priorities and support fact-based decisions.
• Supporting supplier performance management, including supply reliability, quality, lead time, phase-out risk and continuity of supply.
• Preparing clear recommendations, business cases and progress updates for regional and global leadership.
• Building repeatable tools, dashboards and playbooks to improve how the cluster is managed over time.
• Collaborating with regional stakeholders and sites in Europe and the USA.

Experience and Competencies

We are looking for a self-driven strategic sourcing expert who can simplify complexity, drive supplier portfolio optimization and build effective sourcing solutions in a global environment.

What we are looking for

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business or a related field.
• 6–8+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supplier management or a related commercial role.
• Experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment is preferred; candidates from industries such as automotive, electronics, components or industrial manufacturing are encouraged to apply. Experience in chemicals or raw materials is an advantage.
• Proven ability to manage complex portfolios with many suppliers, distributors, part numbers or fragmented spend.
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier portfolio optimization and category strategy development.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Good understanding of supplier management, contract management, risk management and total cost considerations.
• Experience with distributor consolidation, tail supplier management, supplier rationalization or portfolio simplification would be an advantage.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics in a simple and structured way.
• Self-driven, proactive and collaborative, with the ability to work across regions, influence stakeholders and navigate complex procurement environments.
• Fluent English is required.

What next?

If you would like to join an innovative, collaborative and multicultural team, please apply now. Your application will be forwarded to a Talent Acquisition Partner, who will strive to get back to you as soon as they can. We understand that applying for a new job is a big decision and we will work hard to keep you updated and support you along the way.

About Us

• At Huntsman, we pride ourselves on being a people-oriented organization.
• Our family-like atmosphere is cultivated by our diverse groups of team members around the world.
• We welcome the talent, experience and fresh ideas that employees at all stages of their careers, from interns to seasoned professionals, bring to Huntsman.
• In return, we offer you the opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic, industry-leading company, where safety and ethics always come first.

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