REGIONAL CATEGORY MANAGER – ACTIVE INGREDIENTS, ALSIP, IL, USA – #5857

/in /by

About Our Client

Our client is a respected global organization recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality, and operational excellence. With a strong international manufacturing footprint and a collaborative, values-driven culture, they continue to invest in strategic procurement capabilities that strengthen their global supply chain and support long-term business growth.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Regional Category Manager – Active Ingredients to lead sourcing strategy across a critical portfolio of active ingredients. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional who enjoys developing supplier partnerships, leading strategic initiatives, and influencing business decisions across multiple functions and regions.

About the Role

Reporting into Procurement leadership, you will be responsible for developing and executing the regional sourcing strategy for active ingredients while aligning with the organization’s global procurement objectives. You will play a key role in optimizing supplier performance, mitigating supply risk, driving cost savings, and ensuring quality and regulatory compliance across the supply base.

Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders including Manufacturing, Planning, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Global Procurement teams, you will influence strategic sourcing decisions that directly impact business performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute regional sourcing strategies for active ingredients that align with global procurement objectives.
  • Lead strategic sourcing initiatives focused on cost optimization, supplier performance, supply continuity, and risk mitigation.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers while driving Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) initiatives.
  • Conduct supply market intelligence, competitive analysis, and industry research to support sourcing strategies and negotiations.
  • Lead commercial negotiations, supplier selection, contract management, and ongoing supplier performance reviews.
  • Partner closely with Manufacturing, Planning, Regulatory, Quality, and Commercial teams to support business objectives.
  • Provide procurement leadership within the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process.
  • Monitor regulatory developments and emerging market trends impacting active ingredient sourcing.
  • Support new product launches, product lifecycle changes, and supplier qualification activities.
  • Identify long-term supply chain risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
  • Mentor and support procurement team members while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic procurement expertise, commercial acumen, and strong relationship-building skills.

Qualifications include:

  • Minimum of five years of progressive procurement experience, including significant category management responsibility.
  • Experience sourcing active ingredients, specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical ingredients, or related chemical raw materials.
  • Background within the chemical, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or related manufacturing industries.
  • Experience working within multinational and matrix organizations.
  • Demonstrated success leading supplier negotiations and developing long-term supplier partnerships.
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience using SAP Ariba or similar strategic procurement platforms.
  • APICS, ISM, CIPS, or other relevant supply chain or procurement certifications are considered an asset.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.

Why Join Our Client?

This is an opportunity to join a highly respected global organization where procurement is viewed as a strategic business partner. You’ll have the opportunity to influence sourcing decisions on a global scale, collaborate with experienced cross-functional teams, and contribute to the success of an organization committed to innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Our client offers a competitive compensation package ($109,600 – $139,700), comprehensive benefits, and excellent opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a global organization.

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply today in confidence by sending your resume as a MS Document to us at:  info@indemand.ca.

ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED

Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. may use artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled tools to support certain aspects of our recruitment process, including the screening and assessment of applications. These tools are used to assist with organizing, reviewing, and evaluating candidate information and do not replace human judgment or decision-making.