Position Title:
GCF Category Manager-Chemicals
Pay Rate:
$89,000 - $118,600
Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.
Category/Shift:
Salaried Full-Time
Physical Location:
6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38197
The Job You Will Perform:
The Global Cellulose Fibers, Procurement Team, Category Manager – Chemicals is responsible for sourcing strategy supplier selection, contract development, negotiation, implementation and ongoing supplier management associated with the business wide procurement of chemicals related spend. This position is responsible for up to $125MM+spend for Global Cellulose Fibers pulp mills and converting operations as well as supporting up to $50MM in co product chemical sales.
The Category Manager will be fully responsible for multiple chemical product categories and is expected to fully understand the chemical use in the IP operations, the chemical supply chain, the current and potential supply base, and continually and proactively take steps to follow and understand our supplier base and all market dynamics.
Full responsibility for all category related activities. These include, but are not limited to:
The Strategic Sourcing process, price control, proposal analysis, negotiating improved value, awarding & implementing contracts, managing contracts to ensure on-going supplier relationships and continuous supply through outages and force majeures. Establish contracts for materials and services, in accordance with corporate policy, to obtain maximum value for International Paper Company in terms of cost, quality, delivery, and continuing service. This is accomplished by obtaining competitive bids (or sole source negotiations where necessary), thoroughly evaluating bids, negotiating improved value, awarding/implementing contracts and managing on-going supplier relationships. Provide information to facilities, business groups and technology to assist in budget and/or project estimates and justifications. This information may include pricing, market conditions, deliveries, sources of supply, or new technology. Provide plants with accurate, timely information regarding terms of supply contracts, forecasts and energy market trends. Be the liaison with plants and suppliers as issues of quality, price, and delivery arise. Surface and drive opportunities for reduction of TCO (total cost of ownership) by engaging key suppliers and facility personnel in suggesting improvements in our operations, processes, or procedures. Negotiate innovative supply contracts for the highest value to meet the needs of the businesses, which include but are not limited to, lowering cost, increased mill reliability and maximize savings opportunities. Achieve substantive cost improvement by applying opportunities available in evolving commodity markets and by implementing negotiating strategies that leverage our assets while eliminating or minimizing capital expenditures. Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, facilities, technology, sustainability, and internal and external business representatives in order to influence competitive forces and facilitate communications regarding industry developments and their impact on our business. Communicate and collaborate with suppliers in the area of Sustainability. Do this through communication of our Third Party Code of Conduct and GCF’s sustainability strategy, as well as by understanding current supplier’s sustainability risks and opportunities. Investigate new suppliers and products that drive sustainability. Seek to gather data on suppliers’ GHG impact and GHG reduction strategy. Develop strategies and tactics used in negotiations and is ultimately responsible for bringing many difficult high dollar value supply negotiations to a satisfactory end, while at the same time achieving concessions necessary to ensure delivery of competitively priced materials and services. Continually pursue opportunities with tenacity, in spite of the difficulties and resistance encountered, to attain the full value potential for the company and improve upon our processes for greater efficiency of work and improved results. Periodic travel to manufacturing sites as well as business meetings in support of business relationships and process audit and improvement initiatives. Must be able to wear required PPE and successfully complete required safety training. All Category Manager roles will be responsible for additional tactical tasks including (but not limited to) upkeep of contract database, ensuring we meet all audit touchpoints, sustainability documentation, managing and loading pricing and helping to troubleshoot invoicing and payment issues or other obstacles in the procure-to-pay process. Integrity, trust and ethical business mindset are critical.
The Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge You Will Bring:
Undergraduate degree, with a minimum 7 years of related work experience; including working on cross functional teams and experience negotiating contracts Must have intellectual curiosity and propensity to proactively study and uncover ideas and constantly push for improvement. Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze and present complex data in writing and orally. Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Work experience at a manufacturing setting is helpful Work experience in project management is helpful Significant expertise in procurement and commercial practices Familiarity with commodity indices and market drivers Established leadership and team collaboration skills Fluency in Microsoft Office, SAP and other data financial management tools. Comfort working in ambiguity and effectively operating amid change Knowledge of materials and services being procured is desired. (Various chemicals used in pulp & paper manufacturing) Key competencies: learning on the fly, drive for results, problem solving, dealing with ambiguity, interpersonal savvy, strategic agility, action oriented, and ability to work independently with little direction.
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com
About Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF):
Our GCF business helps customers transform renewable cellulose fibers into essential everyday products. Our high-quality, superior grade pulps form the basis for diverse applications, ranging from personal care items to specialty materials. We create components for diapers, tissues and feminine care products, as well as sustainable materials for the textile and construction industry. In 2024, IP announced a strategic review of options for the GCF business in keeping with its strategy of focusing on sustainable packaging solutions, which will allow GCF to fully unlock its capabilities to deliver enhanced service and product performance to its customers.
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