Senior Category Manager: Control Systems and Instrumentation

Job Description

About the Company

Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.

About the Role

Eastman is seeking a Senior Category Manager specializing in control systems and instrumentation to join its dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for strategic procurement and excel in driving cost-effective sourcing strategies while maintaining top-notch product quality and supplier relationships.

As a Senior Category Manager, you will lead sourcing activities for critical categories such as Analyzers, DCS, Instrumentation/Controls, PLCs, and Relief Devices. Your primary objective will be to achieve significant cost reductions while upholding product quality and supplier service levels. Leveraging your technical expertise, you will develop and implement sourcing strategies, drive supplier negotiations, and monitor category performance to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Utilize your in-depth market knowledge to provide strategic insights to commercial teams, empowering them to make informed decisions.
• Lead cross-functional teams to capture savings across commercial, specification, and demand levers of sourcing, optimizing cost-effectiveness.
• Drive supplier selection and negotiation processes, cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships to achieve strategic goals.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for key spend categories, guiding stakeholders through change management processes.
• Monitor category performance metrics and assess the impact of sourcing strategies, making data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Uphold internal and external policies, regulations, and laws while fostering a culture of best practices and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience in engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Buyer, or related field with a Bachelor’s degree, or 10+ years without.
• Demonstrated track record in Procurement, specifically within the control systems and instrumentation domain.
• Deep technical understanding of control systems and instrumentation, with the ability to engage technical stakeholders effectively.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong negotiating skills paired with effective communication abilities, both written and verbal.
• Proven leadership capabilities and comfort in navigating conflict.
• Proficiency in project management and familiarity with capital equipment acquisition processes.

Why Join Us?

• Exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on cost reduction initiatives
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunities for professional development and growth