Principal Category Manager - MRO

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers, and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Ascend is seeking a Principal Category Manager - MRO based in the Greater Houston area. This position is primarily remote and requires periodic travel to Ascend manufacturing facilities and the Houston Corporate Office based on business and operational needs.

As a member of the Procurement organization, the Principal Category Manager – MRO will lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide category strategies supporting approximately $70M in annual spend across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for driving value through strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, inventory optimization, and supplier performance management. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Reliability, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, EH&S, and other business stakeholders, the Principal Category Manager will develop and execute sourcing strategies that improve cost competitiveness, supply assurance, operational reliability, and working capital while supporting Ascend's long-term business objectives. The successful candidate will serve as the commercial leader for assigned categories, developing strategic supplier partnerships, identifying continuous improvement opportunities, and leveraging market intelligence and data analytics to deliver measurable business results.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Deliver year-over-year productivity and cost savings in support of the annual strategic plan.

• Develop and execute short-, medium-, and long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives.

• Improve supplier performance through structured governance, scorecards, and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).

• Optimize MRO inventory through supplier partnerships, standardization, SKU rationalization, VMI, consignment, and other inventory optimization initiatives.

• Reduce supply chain risk through strategic supplier selection, dual sourcing, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Develop strong market intelligence regarding suppliers, commodity trends, pricing, and emerging technologies.

• Build collaborative relationships with Operations, Engineering, Reliability, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Sustainability, and other key stakeholders.

• Improve contract compliance and maximize value from enterprise agreements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide category strategies in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract implementation.

• Manage assigned MRO categories, which may include industrial distributors, rotating equipment, pumps, valves, electrical, instrumentation, mechanical equipment, filtration, PPE, industrial supplies, and related services.

• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships while serving as the primary commercial interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Negotiate commercial agreements focused on total cost of ownership, payment terms, service levels, supply assurance, sustainability, and risk mitigation.

• Partner with Operations, Reliability, and Engineering to identify opportunities for inventory optimization, standardization, supplier consolidation, VMI, and consignment programs.

• Analyze spend data, market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry conditions to identify productivity opportunities and improve category performance.

• Develop supplier scorecards and lead regular business reviews to measure supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, innovation, cost competitiveness, and continuous improvement.

• Develop and implement corrective action plans to improve supplier performance when required.

• Assess supplier capabilities and market conditions to proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks.

• Support supplier sustainability initiatives and identify opportunities aligned with Ascend's sustainability objectives.

• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, ethical standards, and applicable legal requirements.

• Utilize procurement systems, spend analytics, and reporting tools to measure category performance and support data-driven decision-making.

TEAM AND INTERACTIONS

Reports to Procurement Director

LOCATION

Greater Houston Area (Remote)

Periodic travel to Ascend manufacturing facilities and the Houston Corporate Office required (approximately 20–30%).

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or a related technical discipline.

• Minimum eight (8) years of progressive experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, Engineering, Maintenance, or Supply Chain supporting industrial or manufacturing operations.

• Demonstrated experience developing and executing category strategies for MRO materials, equipment, and/or industrial services.

• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.

• Strong understanding of procurement principles, contract management, supplier performance management, and sourcing best practices.

• Experience working within ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.

• Experience with spend analytics and procurement reporting tools.

• Lean Six Sigma certification or continuous improvement experience preferred.

• Experience within the chemical, petrochemical, refining, energy, or heavy manufacturing industries preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong strategic sourcing and category management capabilities.

• Excellent negotiation and commercial acumen.

• Strong analytical, financial, and quantitative problem-solving skills.

• Ability to analyze market trends and develop data-driven sourcing strategies.

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience leading supplier performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• High level of business acumen, professionalism, and ethical judgment.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

• Deliver measurable annual productivity and cost savings.

• Improve supplier performance through structured supplier governance.

• Reduce supply risk for critical manufacturing operations.

• Identify and implement inventory optimization initiatives that reduce working capital while maintaining operational reliability.

• Build long-term strategic supplier partnerships that create measurable value for Ascend.

• Partner effectively across Procurement, Operations, Engineering, Reliability, Supply Chain, and Finance to achieve enterprise objectives.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.