EMEA Procurement

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Category Manager to oversee the Pigments category within our organization. As the Regional Category Manager for Pigments, you will play a crucial role in driving growth, efficiency, and profitability by managing the sourcing, procurement, and strategic direction of additives used in our coatings products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accountable for managing direct material spend of $100+ MM.
• Achieve Y-o-Y cost savings and Variable Margin Improvement (joint metrics with technology)
• Evaluate our current purchasing approaches and propose improvements where needed
• Utilize e-technologies (i.e. RFP's, internet auctions and on-line vendor management)
• Lead external pigment procurement to ensure quality on-time delivery of materials and services at a competitive cost and in compliance with all company guidelines.
• Perform market analysis, benchmark analysis, and develop \"should cost\" models at a commodity level.
• Manage supplier relationships and contract negotiations to identify suppliers capable of meeting product and service requirements for both current and future business needs.
• Understanding color indexes in the market and how they relate to coating
• Execute agreements as the Buyer of Record.
• Lead cross-functional qualification projects for alternate or second source suppliers and technology
• Monitor and resolve major disconnects within the order to pay process.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with both suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Lead and negotiate raw material costs for category
• Proven track record of successfully managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and driving cost savings
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of organization.
• Market analysis: stay abreast of market trends, industry developments and regulatory changes
• Cross functional collaborate with all functional teams to understand, product requirements, new solutions and drive both cost and improvement.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree, master's degree a plus
• 8-10 years of total Procurement experience including 5 years of strategic category management experience 2-3 years' experience working in global teams
• Relative experience in pigments Understanding of the global supply base, Procurement experience in pigments a plus (but not required) Manufacturing process & critical feedstocks, Experience with contracting direct with producers. Deep understanding of the additives market, including key suppliers, pricing dynamics, and regulatory requirements
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• System experience, Sales Force, Ariba (desired, not required) and SAP is required.
• Bilingual English with Spanish or Portuguese (a plus, but not required)

About Axalta:

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We've recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

About the Role:

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the additives market to make a significant impact within our organization. As a Category Manager, you will act as the link to suppliers translating the needs of our business in a way that encourages them to provide products of superior quality and value to enable us to reproducibly supply only excellent quality finished products to our customers.

What We Offer:

Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, and we offer a dynamic and challenging work environment that fosters growth and development. We are committed to attracting and retaining top talent, and we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.