Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Category Management - CSM
Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Veolia is a global leader in environmental services, operating across five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management, Veolia designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation.
Job Description North American Regional Category Manager – Chemicals
The Regional Category Manager will develop and implement sourcing and procurement strategies in the region, aligning with Global Category teams and Regional Business Lines. This role drives supplier performance, negotiates cost efficiencies, ensures supply continuity, and supports Veolia’s cost, quality, and sustainability objectives.
Key Characteristics
Develop, lead, and implement end‑to‑end sourcing strategies for chemical raw material categories for both specialty and commodity chemicals.
Deep industry knowledge in chemical markets, strong business acumen, and demonstrated cross‑functional leadership.
Strategic thinker able to work in a collaborative, double matrix, and multicultural environment.
Duties & Responsibilities Category Management & Strategic Sourcing
Develop and lead end‑to‑end regional sourcing strategies for key commodity and chemical categories in conjunction with global strategy and market trends.
Perform total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses and market intelligence reviews to inform procurement decisions.
Identify and qualify suppliers aligned with Veolia’s needs and environmental compliance standards.
Own the category business goals for the region and report progress to the Global Category Manager and regional team.
Supplier Relationship Management
Manage strategic supplier relationships, including quarterly business reviews, supplier innovation partnerships, and risk management activities.
Negotiate long‑term agreements and mitigate supply risk through multi‑sourcing or buffer strategies.
Collaborate with Quality, Technical, and EHS teams to ensure supplier compliance with Veolia’s specifications, Quality Management Systems, and safety protocols.
Cost Savings & Process Improvements
Drive year‑over‑year savings targets through competitive bidding, value engineering, or alternate formulations.
Lead or support cross‑functional initiatives to improve procurement operations, sustainability, or product performance.
Stay ahead of market trends in the water treatment and chemical supply chains, including regulatory impacts (e.g., REACH, TSCA, EPA rules).
Operational Support
Partner with operations, production planning, and logistics to ensure seamless inbound supply of chemicals and raw materials.
Monitor usage trends, coordinate with inventory teams, and proactively address supply‑demand imbalances.
Work closely with business lines and finance to ensure accurate price tracking and budget forecasting.
Qualifications Hard Skills
Expertise in chemical sourcing with proven subject matter knowledge.
Strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred) and Excel‑based modeling.
Soft Skills
Strategic thinker who balances long‑term vision with short‑term execution.
Inspirational leader who motivates others.
Curious and courageous, championing ideas and transforming them into action.
Humble, respectful toward peers, team members, and stakeholders.
Holistic, customer‑first mindset.
Accountable, owning responsibilities and making tough decisions when needed.
Ambitious, delivering visionary outcomes that rally teams.
Education & Experience Required
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related field.
10+ years of experience in Chemicals Raw Material Procurement, Sourcing, or an equivalent function with deep knowledge of business strategy, procurement strategy & processes, category management, and execution of procurement KPIs.
Minimum 10+ years of experience drafting, negotiating, and implementing complex contracts for raw materials within the chemical industry.
Demonstrated expertise in chemical raw material sourcing, water treatment, and relevant chemical markets.
Preferred
MBA, Master’s Degree, or certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CPSCM.
Experience negotiating and managing suppliers within the Chemical and water‑treatment industry.
Experience working in a matrixed organization.
Working Conditions
Annual travel required: 15%
Additional Information
10% Annual Incentive Bonus Plan
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance starting Day 1
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
401(k) Plan – 3% default contribution plus matching
Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
AD&D Insurance
Disability Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Compensation The salary range is tied to the market for similarly benchmarked roles. The range is $113,000.00–$125,000.00. Offers may be lower or higher based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and market conditions.
Equity & Diversity Veolia is an equal‑opportunity employer. We commit to diversity and inclusion at every level and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. All applications are considered without discrimination.
Application For immediate working eligibility in the U.S., applicants must be eligible to work legally. Veolia does not sponsor work authorization for U.S. work positions.
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Job Description North American Regional Category Manager – Chemicals
The Regional Category Manager will develop and implement sourcing and procurement strategies in the region, aligning with Global Category teams and Regional Business Lines. This role drives supplier performance, negotiates cost efficiencies, ensures supply continuity, and supports Veolia’s cost, quality, and sustainability objectives.
Key Characteristics
Develop, lead, and implement end‑to‑end sourcing strategies for chemical raw material categories for both specialty and commodity chemicals.
Deep industry knowledge in chemical markets, strong business acumen, and demonstrated cross‑functional leadership.
Strategic thinker able to work in a collaborative, double matrix, and multicultural environment.
Duties & Responsibilities Category Management & Strategic Sourcing
Develop and lead end‑to‑end regional sourcing strategies for key commodity and chemical categories in conjunction with global strategy and market trends.
Perform total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses and market intelligence reviews to inform procurement decisions.
Identify and qualify suppliers aligned with Veolia’s needs and environmental compliance standards.
Own the category business goals for the region and report progress to the Global Category Manager and regional team.
Supplier Relationship Management
Manage strategic supplier relationships, including quarterly business reviews, supplier innovation partnerships, and risk management activities.
Negotiate long‑term agreements and mitigate supply risk through multi‑sourcing or buffer strategies.
Collaborate with Quality, Technical, and EHS teams to ensure supplier compliance with Veolia’s specifications, Quality Management Systems, and safety protocols.
Cost Savings & Process Improvements
Drive year‑over‑year savings targets through competitive bidding, value engineering, or alternate formulations.
Lead or support cross‑functional initiatives to improve procurement operations, sustainability, or product performance.
Stay ahead of market trends in the water treatment and chemical supply chains, including regulatory impacts (e.g., REACH, TSCA, EPA rules).
Operational Support
Partner with operations, production planning, and logistics to ensure seamless inbound supply of chemicals and raw materials.
Monitor usage trends, coordinate with inventory teams, and proactively address supply‑demand imbalances.
Work closely with business lines and finance to ensure accurate price tracking and budget forecasting.
Qualifications Hard Skills
Expertise in chemical sourcing with proven subject matter knowledge.
Strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred) and Excel‑based modeling.
Soft Skills
Strategic thinker who balances long‑term vision with short‑term execution.
Inspirational leader who motivates others.
Curious and courageous, championing ideas and transforming them into action.
Humble, respectful toward peers, team members, and stakeholders.
Holistic, customer‑first mindset.
Accountable, owning responsibilities and making tough decisions when needed.
Ambitious, delivering visionary outcomes that rally teams.
Education & Experience Required
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related field.
10+ years of experience in Chemicals Raw Material Procurement, Sourcing, or an equivalent function with deep knowledge of business strategy, procurement strategy & processes, category management, and execution of procurement KPIs.
Minimum 10+ years of experience drafting, negotiating, and implementing complex contracts for raw materials within the chemical industry.
Demonstrated expertise in chemical raw material sourcing, water treatment, and relevant chemical markets.
Preferred
MBA, Master’s Degree, or certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CPSCM.
Experience negotiating and managing suppliers within the Chemical and water‑treatment industry.
Experience working in a matrixed organization.
Working Conditions
Annual travel required: 15%
Additional Information
10% Annual Incentive Bonus Plan
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance starting Day 1
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
401(k) Plan – 3% default contribution plus matching
Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
AD&D Insurance
Disability Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Compensation The salary range is tied to the market for similarly benchmarked roles. The range is $113,000.00–$125,000.00. Offers may be lower or higher based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and market conditions.
Equity & Diversity Veolia is an equal‑opportunity employer. We commit to diversity and inclusion at every level and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. All applications are considered without discrimination.
Application For immediate working eligibility in the U.S., applicants must be eligible to work legally. Veolia does not sponsor work authorization for U.S. work positions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr