Category Sourcing Manager - Pigments, Colorants and Minerals

Dear Candidate, Greetings from AkzoNobel (Experts in the proud craft of making paints and coatings since 1792)

AkzoNobel has a passion for paint. We're experts in the proud craft of making paints and coatings, setting the standard in color and protection since 1792. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. Headquartered in the Netherlands, we are active in over 150 countries and employ around 34,500 talented people who are passionate about delivering the high-performance products and services our customers expect.

We are hiring for the role of Category Sourcing Manager - Pigments/Colorants and Minerals at Bangalore (Hybrid role), having expertise in global & domestic sourcing, below are additional details as required.

Job Purpose

As the Category Sourcing Manager for South East and South Asia, for the Minerals + Pigments & Colorants category, the role encompasses the following responsibilities: Leadership & Strategic Direction:

Provide strategic direction and leadership to category sourcing for Global/SESA. Strategy Deployment:

Define and deploy strategy for managing global/regional spend of the category, driving year-on-year value and benefits. Stakeholder Collaboration:

Work with key internal stakeholders including cross-business units, R&D, and other category leads. Supplier Management:

Own and drive strategic supplier management with all the regional vendors and own select/agreed global vendors Alignment with Corporate Goals:

Steer category strategy and execution aligned with AkzoNobels corporate goals on sustainability.

Responsibilities

Develop and deploy global and regional sourcing strategy for the category and relevant sub-categories. Lead and manage strategic supplier management regionally & globally. Influence internal stakeholders and business teams strategically on a global & regional scale. Exhibit leadership behaviors to both the category team and suppliers. Lead and deliver regional and global projects specifics to category. Implement strategic cost management through e-tenders, negotiation, and contract management. Ensure year-on-year value creation in line with company and functional goals. Collaborate with the Technical Category Lead to develop a technical roadmap, including critical projects and initiatives. Build and sustain a vendor base encompassing current and prospective vendors. Contribute proactively to AkzoNobels Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi). Develop alternate raw materials with the Business Unit Technical Lead, mitigating single/sole source material risks. Demonstrate high levels of global collaboration and cooperation.

Work With

Regional and global colleagues. Functional and business leadership, such as Supply Chain, Sustainability, and R&D. Strategic suppliers.

Job Requirements

Qualifications/ Education: Graduate in Science/Business Economics. Masters in Business Administration or Supply Chain preferred. Minimum of 5 years experience in a strategic sourcing role with similar complexity, spend size, and geography. Excellent communication skills in English. Proven experience in global or regional sourcing roles, change management, and leading strategic projects. Superior influencing skills. - General skills: Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Proficient in problem solving, project management, team working/building. Ability to work under minimal supervision with broad direction. Continuous Improvement leadership ability. Ability to establish common ground within the organization.

Functional Skills Strategic sourcing, category management, advanced negotiation skills, contract management. Knowledge of the global and regional paints & coatings industry and preferred knowledge of pigments/minerals categories. Proficiency in multiple data platforms such as SAP and BI. Strong analytical skills: highly numerate, structured, and accurate. Capable of performing, understanding, and presenting detailed information analysis and evaluation. Flexible, agile, and stress-resistant. Fluent in English. Hands-on experience with international business culture.

Key Competencies

Ability to synthesize complex information and formulate strategic or tactical approaches. Strong stakeholder management skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Action-oriented and performance-driven. Creativity, innovation, and an eye for opportunities.

Stakeholder management:

Sustainably deliver strategic initiatives and align with stakeholders despite potential role conflicts. Complexity management:

Handle a complex array of materials and vendors in a regional filled with various countries, taxes, rules and regulations

Regards,

Team AkzoNobel