Sr Category Manager - Direct Sourcing (Metals & Energy)
Date: Aug 25, 2025
Location: Columbia, MD, US, 21044
Company: W. R. Grace & Co.
Annual Wage Range: $117,064.00 - $160,963.00
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
The Sr Category Manager – Direct Sourcing (Metals & Energy) plays a critical role within the Global Procurement Organization, responsible for developing and executing global sourcing strategies across a $150M–$250M portfolio. This includes transition and post-transition metals (e.g., molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, aluminum) and global energy sources (natural gas, electricity). The role supports Grace’s three business units and 20+ manufacturing sites, driving productivity, supply reliability, and risk mitigation.
Responsibilities
- You will lead a team of 2–3 Senior Supplier Relationship Managers located across major global regions. Our team culture is built on:
- Collaboration & Trust: We foster open communication, shared accountability, and strong cross-functional partnerships.
- Performance & Growth: We support professional development through mentorship, coaching, and stretch assignments.
- Innovation & Insight: We value data-driven decision-making and encourage diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges.
- Integrity & Impact: We operate with transparency and a commitment to delivering measurable results.
- Develop and implement global and regional category strategies aligned with business goals.
- Lead complex negotiations and manage strategic supplier relationships.
- Deliver productivity targets through cost reduction, avoidance, and cash preservation.
- Partner with internal stakeholders in manufacturing, technology, and business units.
- Utilize SAP Ariba, Analytics Cloud, and Salesforce to manage contracts, track performance, and share insights.
- Guide and support the team in executing sourcing projects and resolving supplier issues.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or related field.
- 10–15 years of experience in global industrial sourcing, with 7+ years in direct raw materials procurement.
- Proven leadership in category strategy development and stakeholder alignment.
- Direct (raw materials) strategic sourcing of metals and derivatives and/or specialty or commodity chemicals
- Leadership competencies for strategic and critical thinking and analysis, negotiation and influencing, commercial relationship management, action and results driven.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
- Proficiency in SAP, Ariba, Salesforce, and data analysis tools
- #LI-RR1
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Grace Wellness Program
- Flexible Workplace
- Retirement Plans
- 401(k) Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Parental Leave (salaried only)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Company Donation Match Program
Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nearest Major Market: Baltimore