Global Procurement Category Manager - Direct Materials

About the role

A leading international manufacturing business is recruiting an experienced Global Procurement Category Manager for its global procurement team, via Walker Lovell. The role is based at a site in the wider Landquart area, Switzerland, and focuses on global chemical raw-material categories, combining sourcing strategy with frequent, hands-on supplier negotiations. It is a full-time, site-based position with functional responsibility rather than direct reports.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for global chemical raw-material categories
• Lead challenging commercial negotiations with international suppliers
• Manage spot-buying activity, using market intelligence to make timely purchasing decisions
• Deliver measurable cost savings while maintaining quality and supply security
• Benchmark pricing through RFQs, supplier comparisons and market analysis
• Identify and develop alternative suppliers to reduce costs and supply risk
• Work with colleagues across Europe, the Americas and Asia to support manufacturing requirements
• Present clear, data-backed recommendations and take accountability for category performance

Required profile

• Substantial procurement experience owning complex direct-material categories in manufacturing
• Proven experience purchasing chemical raw materials, with direct responsibility for supplier negotiations and commercial results
• Track record of delivering measurable savings under significant cost pressure
• Experience of spot buying and negotiating in markets with limited supplier choice
• Automotive industry experience is a significant advantage, especially with chemical raw-material purchasing
• Fluent English, with German or willingness to learn; full-time site attendance required, living within commuting distance of Landquart or willing to relocate

Required skills

• Commercial negotiation and sourcing strategy
• Spot buying and RFQ benchmarking
• Strong commercial judgement and analytical, structured approach