Category Manager – Chemicals

Xylem

Category Manager at Xylem managing the global strategy for Chemicals. Leading sourcing initiatives and collaborating with stakeholders for effective supply chain management.

Posted 5/28/2026full-timePittsburgh • Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $125,000 - $135,000 per yearWebsite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

strategic sourcingprocurementcategory managementnegotiatingdata analysissupply chain managementcontract managementde-risking methodologiesKPI improvementproductivity analysis

Soft Skills

influencecross-functional collaborationstakeholder engagementcredibility establishmentchange managementcontinuous improvement mindsetcommunicationpartnership buildingleadershipproblem-solving

Tools & Technologies

ERP softwareMRP softwareprocurement management softwareCorporate Supply Agreementssupply chain softwaredata visualization toolsspend analysis toolsproject management softwarecollaboration toolsperformance monitoring tools

Industry Keywords

global sourcingsupplier performancesupply continuityrisk managementsustainabilitydiversityvoice of the customercorporate expectationsmanufacturing supply chainmarket trends

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the global category strategy for Chemicals (direct material), aligning supplier capabilities to business needs.
Lead complex sourcing initiatives that improve cost, quality, delivery performance, and supply continuity.
Influence cross-functional stakeholders and suppliers to deliver measurable results in a global, matrixed environment.
Drive sustainable supplier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), including productivity, quality, delivery, consolidation, risk management, sustainability, diversity, and working capital.
Build and strengthen partnerships with strategic suppliers by leveraging global spend and the supply base to maximize performance while minimizing business risk (including contract management).
Maintain an effective supply chain that consistently delivers optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance to Xylem manufacturing sites.
Partner with regional procurement leaders, R&D, Quality, and Engineering to develop category strategies and incorporate internal voice of the customer (VOC).
Predict future global trends and disruptions within the industry and utilize de-risking methodologies to effectively increase supply chain resiliency.
Stay current on changing technology and demand, with a clear understanding of product taxonomy down to the sub-tier level.
Identify and lead productivity opportunities and the sourcing efforts required to ensure successful project execution.
Identify & execute second sourcing and regional sourcing initiatives to meet company objectives and mitigate supply risk.
Facilitate regular cross-functional category project meetings, monitor progress against committed timelines, and establish and maintain a Corporate Category Council to educate stakeholders and collect VOC.
Drive a continuous improvement mindset in an environment with a track record of achieving significant KPI improvement (Productivity, Quality, Service Levels, Delivery and Cost) year over year.
Analyze spend data and present insights and recommendations based on the needs of the audience.
Ensure applicable suppliers have current Corporate Supply Agreements (CSAs) in place, are up to date with the latest corporate expectations, and remain fully compliant.

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management (global preferred)
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (business, supply chain, engineering, or related field)
Experience with ERP/MRP and procurement management software
Demonstrated performance sourcing and negotiating to deliver measurable results to KPIs
Experience partnering in a global environment (EMEA, Americas, APAC)
Proven ability to quickly establish credibility and influence others to drive change across an organization

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive total rewards package
Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness programs
401(k) with company contribution
Paid time off
Paid parental leave
Tuition reimbursement