Summary: The Global Category Manager – Basic Chemicals and Catalysts leads and optimizes a global spend portfolio, driving value through strategic sourcing and strong supplier partnerships. Highlights: 1. Leading and optimizing a global spend portfolio 2. Driving value through strategic sourcing and supplier partnerships 3. Developing and executing sourcing strategies for quality and sustainability Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in\-depth regulatory know\-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end\-markets that include Human Health \& Nutrition, Home \& Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints \& Coatings and Wood Protection. With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024\. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R\&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success. The Global Category Manager – Basic Chemicals and Catalysts is responsible for leading and optimizing a 50 mCHF global spend portfolio that supports all Arxada businesses. This role drives measurable value through strategic sourcing, best\-in\-class category management, and strong supplier partnerships. By analyzing supply market trends, cost drivers, and internal manufacturing capabilities, the Global Category Manager develops and executes sourcing strategies that enhance quality, service, total cost of ownership, and Net Working Capital—while ensuring supply continuity and alignment with Arxada’s sustainability objectives. Essential Job Functions: Category Management* Business Stakeholder Management \& Leadership * Act as the primary procurement interface for Business Units, clarifying requirements and driving proactive communication * Support decision\-making and execute global category and product strategies * Represent Arxada in the Basel Consortium and lead sourcing strategies for key products * Ensure strong alignment between Procurement, Operations, Quality, Sustainability, and Business stakeholders * Effectively prioritize activities incorporating Operations, Quality, Business Unit, and Sustainability requirements Value Creation \& Financial Performance* Develop and implement cost reduction strategies and Net Working Capital (NWC) improvements * Drive competitive pricing, annual cost savings, cost avoidance, and other financial benefits * Optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across the category * Build and manage a robust savings pipeline and ensure execution of value initiatives * Track, forecast, and report savings performance against targets Supplier Relationship Management* Identify suitable suppliers and evaluate their technical and commercial capabilities * Identify and leverage global synergy opportunities across materials and suppliers * Act as the primary point of contact for vendors within Arxada * Assess and manage all suppliers within the category portfolio * Lead supplier relationship management and supplier development initiatives * Manage escalation of supplier\-related issues * Support Quality Assurance in supplier qualification and audits; participate in regular supplier audits * Develop supplier strategies aligned with market dynamics and business expectations * Review supplier performance across the Arxada network and manage communication with focus on EHS, Quality, and Commercial compliance * Drive supplier performance and compliance through scorecards, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives Supply Assurance \& Risk Management* Proactively manage supply risks and lead resolution plans for active supply issues * Assess supply base vulnerabilities and competitiveness gaps * Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies * Identify and qualify alternative sources of supply where appropriate * Ensure supply continuity across the global network * Translate internal demand and market insights into actionable sourcing strategies * Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to optimize performance and competitiveness * Incorporate knowledge of internal and external manufacturing capabilities to support make vs. buy decisions * Continuously monitor market developments and challenge the status quo to identify opportunities * Analyze chemical and technical business requirements, spend data, and future demand forecasts * Develop deep market intelligence, including supply economics, cost drivers, and emerging technologies Qualifications \& Experience:* Bachelor or master's in chemistry/business * 5\-10 years professional experience, preferably with strategic procurement experience * Fluent English and German (preferred) * Proven experience in global category management or strategic sourcing (chemical industry preferred) * Leading leaders; business and financial acumen and strategic procurement expertise * Strong and effective communication. * Analytical and problem solving. * Global relationships building both internal and external. * Project Management skills. * Preferably skills in all procurement processes including commodity management, supplier management, negotiations, and contract management. * Travel Requirements: 20% domestic \& international Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas: Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home \& Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints \& Coatings and Material Protection. Nutrition, Care \& Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high\-performance applications. Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. \#LI\-BR1 ES03