Category Manager

LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. With a nearly 70-year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and our proprietary MoReTec recycling technology, LYB is enabling a more sustainable future for generations to come. LYB develops high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. LYB places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. We're addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and supporting a thriving society, while generating value for our customers, investors, and society.

Hiring Team

Hiring Manager: Jeremiah Ross

Recruiter: Zwynda Orta

Key Responsibilities

Activities and duties will vary dependent upon functional area assigned. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute category strategies for raw materials aligned with business objectives and manufacturing requirements.
• Conduct market analysis (pricing trends, supply-demand dynamics, suppliers landscape) to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, negotiations, and contracting for strategic suppliers.
• Lead commercial negotiations and collaborate with Legal on contractual terms, commercial terms, and pricing as part of the critical contract development and execution phase.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring compliance with KPIs, SLAs, and sustainability standards.
• Ensure deployment of strategic sourcing plans linked to production needs, logistics, and business economics.
• Drive cost optimization, value creation (cost savings, cost avoidance, supply assurance, innovation impact, working capital improvement), and continuous improvement initiatives (productivity, innovation, digitalization).
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, technical, logistics, and finance teams to manage risks and ensure supply continuity.
• Implement performance metrics and reporting systems to monitor category effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Identify and develop sustainable sourcing initiatives and supplier development programs.
• Act as subject matter expert for assigned raw material categories.
• Handles administrative updates and troubleshoots issues (supply, invoicing, compliance). Clearly communicates company procurement policies, drives compliance and risk-mitigation efforts, and contributes to a strong governance culture

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred or recognized equivalent).
• 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
• Experience in raw materials sourcing (chemicals, polymers, feedstocks, or similar industries preferred).
• Strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.

• Ability to travel occasionally to the United States is required. Candidates must possess a valid passport and a valid U.S. visa.

• Advanced English proficiency required (written and verbal).

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and category strategy development
• Advanced negotiation skills
• Supplier relationship management
• Market research and spend analytics
• Risk management and supply continuity planning
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Sustainability mindset and digital acumen
• Analytical thinking and proactive, self-driven execution

Competencies

Build Partnerships

Deliver Results

Drive Innovation

Grow Capabilities

Promote Inclusion

Motivational Fit

Technical Skills

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