Essentra is a leading provider of essential components and solutions. Every day we produce and distribute millions of small but essential products.

Our international network extends to 28 countries, with headquarters in the United Kingdom and includes 14 manufacturing facilities, 24 distribution centers and 33 sales & service centers.

At the center of everything is our purpose, to responsibly provide the products and services our customers need to succeed. Put simply, our purpose is why we exist as a company. Many companies claim to be changing the world; we don’t. But we do make a powerful difference to our customers. We make it work. Every one of us. Every day.

Summary:

Essentra is looking for a Regional Category Manager in the Houston, TX office who will operate several procurement categories, including raw materials and freight/logistics spend across the AMERS (Americas) region. This individual should be a highly astute commercial procurement professional who can build and influence across multiple sites without formal line management control. This is a hands-on role with real opportunity to develop the regional spend and adherence to global process.

Typical Accountabilities:

• Develop and deliver a strategic vision for multiple categories, across multiple sites within the region, including but not limited to raw material, freight and logistics.
• Establish and manage key supplier relationships including the development, negotiation, and management of contracts. Execute value for money decision making through spend leverage, cost benchmarking and through the negotiation of favorable terms, particularly ensuring that standard payment terms are achieved.
• Embed global Procurement function’s process and governance policies, working with procurement center of excellence to improve processes and adoption through the region.
• Engage and build strategic relationships with key stakeholders across the region and drive change and adoption of Procurement best practices while increasing confidence in the procurement function.
• Manage and ensure compliance of all new supplier setup across the category, ensure robust approvals are in place, ensure contracts and compliance are fully setup.
• Execute ROI decision making by exercising all value levers and use fact-based recommendations.
• Support the delivery of wider procurement and corporate ESG and sustainability goals.
• Serve as the primary link between the Americas region and global Procurement.
• Establish reports, category updates and communicate to key stakeholders. Work to implement cost saving initiatives.
• Support wider procurement & supply chain initiatives not limited to mentioned categories and AMERS region.
• Work closely with post-acquisition companies within the region to transition the Freight and Logistics supply base into the organization; ensure that benefits, costs and other synergies are captured. 
• Look to reduce carbon footprint and emissions and identify sustainable solutions across the freight and logistics category.
• Optimize value delivery (cost savings, avoidance, inflation impact) and risk mitigation from the APAC region supply base.
• Accountable for overall delivery of the Americas regional savings and project pipeline (including delivery) across direct, factored and indirect spend areas.
• Provide input in AMERS region for development and implementation of policies, strategy, category management, sourcing strategy development and execution, stakeholder management, supplier relationship management, contract management and supply risk management, collaborating closely with global and site procurement teams delivering maximum value contribution.
• Control, monitor and communicate Regional Spend Category plans.
• Influence and drive change management for the business.
• Ensure adherence with regards to specific procurement documentation and central policies.
• Manage and develop the Category with an emphasis on continuous improvement methodology.
• Manage suppliers for critical business functions.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned and required.

Qualifications & Experience

• College degree is preferred in business, supply chain, or procurement. Will consider significant experience in lieu of degree.
• Procurement qualification preferred (e.g., CPSM).
• At least 5 years of proven experience in a similar strategic procurement role.
• Strong supplier development and negotiation skills.
• Experience in freight and/or raw materials purchasing.
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Experience in global and regional matrix environments within multinational businesses.
• Spanish language skills highly desirable.
• Strategic and budget planning experience.
• Strong business acumen and ability to align procurement with business needs.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels.
• Demonstrates credibility, resilience, and leadership.
• Strong skills in MS Office software.

This position offers a competitive salary, bonus incentive, full benefits package, and generous paid time off.