Global Category Manager - Chemicals

EMEA Recruitment has been appointed to secure a Global Category Lead – Chemicals on behalf of Mohawk Industries.

Based at their strategic Procurement Global Center of Excellence (CoE) in Root (Luzern), Switzerland, this role is responsible for defining and driving global category strategies and complex procurement projects (tenders, complexity reduction, value engineering) that deliver sustainable value, competitiveness, and risk resilience across the entire enterprise.

Reporting directly to the Global Category Director – Chemicals, you will act as a key business partner, elevating the procurement function from transactional execution to a strategic value-creation engine.

Main Responsibilities of the Global Category Lead:

• Strategic Category Ownership: Develop and execute scalable global category strategies across specialized chemicals (including Fiberglass, PVC, Plasticizers, Resins, Additives, Adhesives, Colorants, and Fibers).

• Value Engineering & Data Analytics: Conduct should-cost modeling, competitive benchmarking, and market analysis to identify alternative materials, drive specification harmonization, and optimize costs.

• Supplier & Risk Management: Lead global supplier relationship management (SRM), including segmentation and strategic partnerships; monitor market trends and conduct strict risk management and supplier due diligence.

• Sourcing Execution: End-to-end management of global sourcing events, including comprehensive RFx documentation preparation, multi-region bid analysis, and leading high-leverage supplier negotiations.

• Cross-Functional Governance: Partner with and influence senior stakeholders across international divisions (Operations, R&D, Legal, ESG), deploying category standards and driving harmonization without direct authority.

Requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related fields

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive procurement experience in a complex organization; corporate procurement background specifically within the chemical industries is highly preferred

• Matrix Capability: Proven track record of operating, collaborating, and persuasively influencing senior leaders within a matrix-driven organization

• Project Delivery: Demonstrated experience successfully delivering end-to-end procurement projects, margin protection, and complexity reduction initiatives

• Technical Toolkit: Exceptional analytical abilities with a data-driven approach to problem-solving; strong digital acumen and advanced Excel skills are required (e-Sourcing tool experience is a plus).

• Languages: Fluent spoken and written English; additional proficiency in Spanish or Italian is a distinct advantage

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We welcome all applications regardless of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.