Global Category Manager

Two strategically complex categories. One seat at the table. If you are a seasoned procurement specialist who thrives on navigating volatile global commodity markets, building supplier partnerships that create real competitive advantage, and shaping strategy at the highest level — this is your role. We are looking for a Global Category Manager to take full ownership of Cellulosics and Fatty Alcohols at Nouryon, based in Amsterdam.

About the job 

Our Direct Procurement team is a global group of 45 professionals managing Nouryon’s strategic raw material base — a portfolio with significant impact on our cost position, product quality, and sustainability agenda. Around 20 colleagues are based in our modern office in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, with others embedded in key regions close to our markets and suppliers. The team works closely with Manufacturing, R&D, Finance, Sustainability, and our business units to ensure reliable, cost‑effective, and sustainable supply. As Global Category Manager you will play a key role in this team, with end‑to‑end responsibility for two strategically important global categories: the Cellulosics portfolio (Cotton Linter Pulp, Dissolving Wood Pulp, and Kraft Pulp) and Fatty Alcohols — both directly tied to Nouryon’s core business performance. You will have significant visibility and the autonomy to define and implement category strategies, lead high-stakes negotiations, and build long‑term supplier partnerships that directly support Nouryon’s growth and performance.

In your future role as Global Category Manager you will 

• Own and drive multi-year sourcing roadmaps across Cellulosics and Fatty Alcohols, balancing cost, supply security, sustainability, and innovation in two structurally different global markets.
• Conduct deep market intelligence, cost-driver analysis, and risk assessments across pulp, cellulosics, and oleochemical/fatty alcohol supply chains to identify opportunities and secure competitive advantage.
• Lead complex global negotiations and long-term contracting, structuring deals that deliver durable value and protect Nouryon’s supply position in tight or volatile markets.
• Serve as the primary strategic partner to Business Line leadership, translating business needs into sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, and Quality to align specifications, optimize total cost of ownership, and enable product innovation.
• Represent procurement in senior forums, presenting strategy, risks, and commercial recommendations.
• Build and maintain long-term, strategic relationships with global suppliers.
• Drive supplier segmentation, performance reviews, development initiatives, and innovation discussions.
• Monitor global market dynamics across pulp, cellulosics, and fatty alcohols
• Champion cost-out programs, value engineering initiatives, and total cost of ownership improvements that directly strengthen Nouryon’s margin and competitiveness.

We believe you bring 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Chemistry, or related field
• At least 7 years working experience in strategic procurement or category management, with a track record in complex global commodity categories, preferably in chemicals, oleochemicals, cellulosics, or related raw materials.
• Proven success managing complex, high-value global spend portfolios, including experience handling dual-category or multi-market scope
• Extensive negotiation experience at a senior level, with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries and land complex commercial concepts with both suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Advanced strategic thinking skills with ability to analyze data, understand interdependencies and develop strategies at global category level.
• Fluency in English, both verbal as well as in writing.
• The ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, driving multiple workstreams simultaneously across two complex global categories 

Great if you have

• Knowledge of or exposure to cellulosics, fatty alcohols, oleochemicals, or related bio-based commodity markets
• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks relevant to these categories, such as EUDR, RSPO, or FSC certification requirements
• Affinity with procurement systems such as SAP and Ariba

We believe you are

• A natural connector who builds trusted relationships at all levels — from plant managers and R&D leads to C-suite stakeholders and global supplier executives
• Commercially driven and outcome-focused, always connecting procurement decisions to measurable business impact
• Analytically sharp, able to cut through complexity and translate market data into clear strategic choices

We offer you

This is a high-impact role offering genuine strategic ownership of two globally significant categories. You will work alongside a mature and high-performing procurement team, with direct access to senior leadership, global business lines, and a supply base spanning multiple continents. Our employment package comprises:

• A permanent contract with a probationary period of 2 months.
• A gross basic annual salary including holiday allowance based on your knowledge and experience between EUR 116.500 and EUR 140.000.
• 30 vacation days
• A performance bonus based on KPI’s.
• An excellent pension plan with a strong contribution rate, most of which is paid by Nouryon.
• LifeCheck Employee Assistance Program: Free, confidential wellbeing support for you and your family.
• Bright, modern offices with excellent public transport connections.
• An attractive bike plan.
• A company fitness plan to stay active and healthy

Good to know 

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Amsterdam (Amsterdam-Zuid Oost) with an international travel component of approximately 15–20% to meet suppliers and business stakeholders across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. You will report directly to the Procurement Director EMEA, who is also based in Amsterdam.

Please apply via our online recruitment system. We will not accept applications via e-mail. Once it's with us we will review to see if we have a match between your skills and the role! For more information about our hiring process, visit: nouryon.com/careers/how-we-hire/ 

We look forward to receiving your application!

About Nouryon

Explore careers and life at Nouryon   

If you’re looking for your next career move, apply today and join Nouryon’s worldwide team in providing essential solutions that our customers use to manufacture everyday products such as personal care, cleaning, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Our employees are driven by the wish to make an impact and actively drive positive change. If that describes you, we will gladly make way for your ambitions. From day one we support you with your personal growth, through challenging positions and comprehensive learning and development opportunities, in a dynamic, international, diverse, and proactive working environment.

Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn. 

Contact

For additional information about the vacancy please contact Kevin Prins; Talent Acquisition Partner. kevin.prins@nouryon.com

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We have already chosen our sourcing channels for this recruitment and kindly ask not to be contacted by any advertisement agents, recruitment agencies or staffing companies.

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