Would you like to be part of a company that empowers its people to make a real difference? 

Our client, a global leader in advanced composite materials used across multiple sectors, including building materials, transportation, wind energy, recreation, and corrosion-resistant applications, is offering an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager – Indirects to join their EMEA Procurement Team in Barcelona.

The organization has operations across Europe, the US, Brazil, India, and China, and is recognized for its commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability. Their workplace culture is built on honesty, integrity, and collaboration, where new ideas are encouraged and employees are valued for driving meaningful change.

The Role

As Category Manager – Indirects, you will play a key strategic role in managing a broad portfolio of indirect procurement categories across the EMEA region. Reporting directly to the EMEA Procurement Leader, you will support procurement initiatives that drive cost efficiency, service quality, and risk mitigation across a supply base of over 800 suppliers.

This is a pivotal role within a team that supports a business comprising 4 manufacturing plants, 300+ employees, 200+ customers, and significant regional operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Sourcing

• Define and implement sourcing strategies for indirect categories in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Conduct supplier market research to identify opportunities for value generation and supplier consolidation.
• Analyze historical procurement data to drive continuous improvement in cost and supply performance.

Indirect Categories Managed

• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)
• Energy (gas and electricity)
• General site services
• Industrial equipment
• Corporate services
• And other related indirect categories

Supplier Management

• Negotiate favorable commercial terms while ensuring contractual compliance.
• Develop supplier performance KPIs and lead regular supplier reviews.
• Resolve disputes and ensure vendors meet safety, health, and environmental (SHE) expectations, including company-specific standards.

Operational Excellence

• Manage purchase order creation and maintenance in SAP.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, tender calendars, and procurement project statuses.
• Ensure all procurement activities align with internal governance and delegation of authority.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with engineers and site leadership to understand project needs and align procurement strategies.
• Support capital planning processes by identifying risks and opportunities within the indirects portfolio.

Compliance

• Ensure all procurement practices meet legal, regulatory, and ethical standards—and that suppliers follow suit.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential; Spanish is highly desirable.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in indirect procurement or category management, preferably within the chemical or manufacturing sector.
• Experience in multinational and multicultural work environments.

Technical Skills

• Strong contract drafting and supplier management abilities.
• Expertise in tender execution, cost analysis, and negotiation.
• Proficiency with SAP, Excel, PowerPoint, and other procurement analytics tools.
• Solid grasp of supply chain management principles and direct/indirect procurement practices.

Behavioral Competencies

• Effective communicator with the ability to influence across levels.
• Financially savvy with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Results-driven, agile, and proactive in managing change.
• Team-oriented with a flexible, adaptable approach to work.
• Fast learner with a growth mindset.

If you're looking to grow your career in a global, fast-paced environment where your ideas and expertise are truly valued—this could be your next big move.