Westlake · 6 hours ago
Category Manager - MRO
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expWestlake is seeking a Category Manager responsible for developing and executing comprehensive sourcing strategies for assigned categories. This role involves managing indirect categories, negotiating contracts, and identifying cost reduction opportunities to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
ChemicalManufacturingMedical
Responsibilities
Develops and executes strategies for the sourcing, procurement and logistics of assigned categories for Westlake North America HIP and PEM divisions
Identify and implement best in class sourcing strategy and practices which support continuity of supply, quality, cost and business unit requirements
Develop and implement category objectives using key performance indicators. Manage category objectives to insure the KPI’s are met
Utilize strategic sourcing practices, processes and techniques across the organization to provide the best total cost supply chain solution
Establish and lead cross functional teams to develop, execute and maintain cross company sourcing strategies driving acceptance and use of a consolidated strategic supply base
Monitor cross functional teams to maintain compliance with establish strategic strategies and preferred vendors
Directs market analysis for all historical and potential future category purchases. Assesses the ability of the category strategy to satisfy Westlake’s volume, quality, performance and total delivered cost requirements
Develops and implements global category cost reduction strategies addressing material cost, logistics cost, and quality
Executes projects leading to specific reductions in category costs contributing to each business’ EBITDA performance
Directs development of routine category cost forecasts supporting each business’ financial forecast
Recommends processes, systems, and performance management reporting for category purchasing activities
Collaborates with Legal on contract negotiations, management and execution; collaborates with HS&E and regulatory SME’s to ensure safety and compliance of category purchases and logistics methods with preferred suppliers
Establish a preferred supply base and manage via suppler relationship management programs, including supplier scorecards/reviews to drive continuous improvement
Understand applicable company policy and insure personal and team compliance including the procurement policy and procedures, Sox controls and DOA
Lead RFX, negotiations, supplier sourcing, contract negotiations and compliance management for defined commodity groups
Any other responsibilities as assigned
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Engineering, B.A. Supply Chain/Procurement, or related field, or progressive experience in purchasing field acceptable to management
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the manufacturing, petroleum refining or petrochemical industries
Knowledge of plant purchasing, plant warehouse and contract negotiations/ management
Strong written & verbal communication skills, as well as effective presentation skills
Strong Microsoft Power Point, Word and Excel skills
Strong analytical skills required, SAP experience is highly desirable
Extensive knowledge of petrochemical industries and related category spend
Business management skills including the ability to develop and execute strategy
Solid understanding of business disciplines and financial information
Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence all levels of employees and management, both inside the company and externally with suppliers
Ability to make decisions or recommendations that are 'data based' and align decisions with strategies
Preferred
Master's degree in Business is beneficial
Preferred Indirect or related sourcing experience
Company
Westlake
Westlake is a manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and building products. It is a sub-organization of Westlake Chemical Partners.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Westlake has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (7)
2024 (6)
2023 (11)
2022 (9)
2021 (9)
2020 (8)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.2B2025-11-04Post Ipo Debt· $1.2B
2017-01-07Post Ipo Equity
2004-08-11IPO
Leadership Team
Albert Chao
Chief Executive Officer
Jean-Marc Gilson
President and CEO
Recent News
Morningstar.com
2025-11-10
2025-11-08
Business Wire
2025-11-04
Company data provided by crunchbase