Procurement Manager (Chemicals)

CATEGORY MANAGER (CHEMICALS) Salary: Competitive and based on experience Location: Tangerang A global leader in the pulp and paper manufacturing sector is seeking two accomplished Category Managers for Chemicals to join their thriving team in Tangerang.

Keywords: Strategic sourcing, Category management, Chemical procurement, Supplier relationship management, Sustainability in supply chain, Team leadership, Process optimisation, Cost management, Regulatory compliance, Cross-functional collaboration

* Join a globally renowned manufacturer at the forefront of chemical procurement for pulp, paper, and tissue production, where your impact will be felt across multiple plants and regions.
* Benefit from a collaborative culture that values knowledge sharing, employee well-being, and offers private medical insurance, government insurance coverage, quarterly incentives, annual bonuses, and phone allowances.
* Take on a high-impact position with clear career progression pathways, leading strategic sourcing initiatives while mentoring a dedicated team and contributing to sustainability objectives.

What you'll do:

As a Category Manager Chemicals based in Tangerang, you will be entrusted with shaping the future of chemical procurement for one of the world’s most significant manufacturing operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve developing forward-thinking category strategies tailored to either pulp or paper chemicals—each encompassing hundreds of critical items. You will lead sourcing events designed to unlock value through competitive supplier engagement while maintaining close oversight of market dynamics that affect pricing and availability. Building strong partnerships with suppliers worldwide will be central to your success as you negotiate contracts that balance cost efficiency with supply security. Your role will also see you collaborating extensively with cross-functional teams across eight major manufacturing plants in Indonesia—ensuring that every procurement decision supports operational excellence and sustainability targets. By mentoring your team members and championing best practices in process optimisation and compliance, you will help drive transformation within the broader procurement function.

* Develop and implement robust category strategies for key chemical inputs used in large-scale manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
* Lead strategic sourcing events such as RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance supplier competitiveness within the chemicals category.
* Analyse market trends, raw material indices, and supplier performance data to inform sourcing decisions and optimise total cost of ownership.
* Manage substantial monthly spend by building and nurturing relationships with global, regional, and local suppliers from countries including China, USA, and Vietnam.
* Conduct supplier segmentation exercises, regular performance reviews, and risk assessments to ensure security of supply and mitigate potential disruptions.
* Negotiate long-term contracts with suppliers while proactively managing price fluctuations and supply risks to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
* Collaborate closely with production, quality assurance, logistics, research & development, and sustainability teams to ensure procurement activities meet dynamic business needs.
* Ensure strict adherence to safety, health & environmental regulations (REACH) as well as internal compliance standards throughout all procurement activities.
* Mentor and develop a team of direct report specialists while fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the procurement function.
* Drive process standardisation and digitisation initiatives within procurement operations by leveraging e-sourcing platforms and analytics tools.

What you bring:

* Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management
* A minimum of 7–10 years’ experience in procurement or sourcing roles is essential, with at least 5 years focused specifically on chemical category management at managerial level.
* Demonstrated background in process manufacturing industries such as pulp & paper or similar sectors is highly desirable for this position.
* Proven ability to lead large-scale sourcing projects involving complex supplier networks across multiple geographies.
* Experience managing teams of 6-7 people previously is crucial; you should be able to mentor direct reports effectively while fostering professional development.
* In-depth understanding of chemical supply markets along with regulatory frameworks such as REACH is necessary for success in this role.
* Advanced proficiency in procurement systems like SAP MM or Ariba (especially for RFI/RFQ processes), plus familiarity with e-sourcing platforms or analytics tools.
* Exceptional commercial negotiation skills combined with strong contract management capabilities are required for effective supplier engagement.
* Excellent interpersonal skills enabling you to build consensus among stakeholders from production through R&D to sustainability functions.
* A commitment to upholding safety standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives within procurement operations.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as an industry leader not just for its scale but also for its unwavering commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. Recognised twice as one of Asia’s best places to work, it fosters an inclusive environment where collaboration thrives across all levels. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical coverage—including both private insurance options and government schemes—as well as attractive incentive programmes that reward both individual contributions and collective achievements. Annual performance-based bonuses provide further motivation for those who consistently deliver value. The company invests heavily in training opportunities so that every team member can continue developing their skills alongside some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the sector. With clear pathways for advancement coupled with supportive leadership focused on nurturing talent rather than hierarchy alone, this is an ideal setting for those seeking meaningful impact within a global context.

What's next:

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; seize this opportunity to make a lasting difference in one of the world’s most influential manufacturing environments.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.