At Quaker Houghton, we make the essentials of everyday life possible and enable innovative approaches for a positive future. Our customers include the world’s most advanced and specialized automotive, steel, aluminium, aerospace, offshore, can and mining companies. Based in every corner of the world, our people are passionate about what we do.
As the EMEA Category Manager, you will develop and implement a vision, strategy, and tactical plan for your assigned category, supported by a robust management platform. You will be responsible for maximizing supplier value through optimal sourcing strategies, efficient resource deployment, and strong alignment with our Procurement Leadership Team.
This role reports to the Manager, Direct Procurement EMEA, and involves close collaboration with global counterparts across Quaker Houghton.
What ill you do?
- Be responsible for sourcing & procurement of chemical raw materials for our 7 EMEA sites, ensuring secure supply, whilst continuously seeking opportunities for cost improvements and value-added initiatives for the region.
- Develop, align & implement sourcing strategies together with internal stakeholders (R&D, Marketing, Operations & top management).
- Actively manage & improve performance of key suppliers on Quality, Delivery, Innovation & Sustainability as well as manage the assigned supplier base and ensure contracts are followed.
- Partner with Raw Material Technical Group for projects such as new products, alternative sourcing or simplification opportunities.
- Report market trends and purchase performance to internal stakeholders.
- May require some occasional travelling to our sites or supplier facilities.
What are we looking for?
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and contracting within the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries.
- Proven track record in developing and executing strategic sourcing plans, ideally within a global procurement matrix organization.
- Professional proficiency in English is required.
- Location: Must be within reasonable commuting distance to our site in Uithoorn.
What do we offer?
- Hybrid working arrangement for better work-life balance
- Competitive pay with bonus opportunities
- Health insurance, Pension plan and other additional benefits
- 2 annual days paid volunteering leave to dedicate to the cause of your choice
- Access to real career growth opportunities in Procurement, Supply Chain or other related areas of interest, in an international environment where autonomy and initiative are expected.
- QH University: Continuous training tools for all seniority levels.
- DEI and Recognition initiatives such as Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen and PRIDE CRGs and our Global Giving and Impact Awards programs.
About Us
We are the global leader in industrial process fluids present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world’s steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our chemists, engineers and industry experts partner with our customers to continually improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.
Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Do Great Things Together, Act with integrity.
Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.
Join the team and find your future!
Are you a QH colleague?
Please contact your TA Partner, Honorata Florczak or your HRBP for more information about the role and/or how to apply.
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