Category Specialist

LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. With a nearly 70-year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and our proprietary MoReTec recycling technology, LYB is enabling a more sustainable future for generations to come. LYB develops high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. LYB places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. Were addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and supporting a thriving society, while generating value for our customers, investors, and society.

Basic Function

• Supports Category Managers in the implementation of sourcing plans and tactics to effectively manage the assigned portfolio and associated activities.
• Supports Category Managers by completing complex analysis for both internal requirements and external market analysis to support the sourcing process.
• Begins to independently manage sourcing projects with low complexity and low value.
• Participates in identifying, evaluating and selecting potential suppliers.
• Participates in negotiations.

• Ensures accurate definition of requirements, negotiates local contracts, establishes and maintains an effective procurement system consistent with LYB control guidelines.
• Analyzes bid responses to determine the most responsive and responsible bidder to optimize total cost of ownership for the internal client.
• Negotiates spot agreements, including low value/less complex strategic agreements and any changes in vendor contracts to maximize benefit to LYB.
• Analyzes spend data and market trends to identify and develop overall strategic sourcing initiatives which meet the needs of the customer and provides solutions/recommendations to the Category Manager based on research of institutional spend, end-user impact, feedback and marketplace analysis.
• Works collaboratively with the Process Specialists in the implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Develops and composes bid specifications in such a manner that internal customer needs are addressed.
• Ability to decide if recurring purchases are appropriate for strategic sourcing agreement/initiatives.
• Develops and maintains awareness of changing trends in the marketplace and the possible impact to the company.
• Defends and/or justifies an award of a formal bid or proposal in the event of a formal protest filed by a supplier/contractor with support from Category or Procurement Management.
• Identifies and selects suppliers who prioritize sustainability practices, contributing to our companys commitment to environmental and social responsibility
• Participates in supplier engagement efforts including but not limited to reviewing supplier performance against agreed upon KPIs and SLAs, developing and implementing supplier continuous improvement initiatives and monitoring suppliers sustainability performance.

As a Category Specialist at LYB you are expected to consistently demonstrate developing skills in the following:

• Collaboration
• Relationship management
• Leveraging strategic relationships with both stakeholders (internal) and suppliers (external)
• Demonstrating strategic influence
• Selling ideas
• Multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
• Being a motivated self-starter
• Achieving strategic alignment with both stakeholders and Procurement leaders
• Serving as a change agent
• Harnessing an innovative mindset
• Identifying business solutions
• Being environmentally & socially conscious, actively supporting LYBs sustainability objectives
• Working effectively in cross-functional teams
• Analytical skills
• Using data analytics tools and software
• Negotiations
• Gathering and applying market insights
• Effective communication
• Supplier evaluation methodologies
• Using AI and other digital tools

• Bachelors degree preferred (or recognized equivalent). Masters degree preferred (or recognized equivalent).
• 2+ years related experience required with a degree (6+ years in lieu of a degree);
• 1+ years of chemical or related industry experience and knowledge related to purchasing and materials management is preferred.
  Competencies
• Build Partnerships
• Deliver Results
• Drive Innovation
• Grow Capabilities
• Promote Inclusion
• Motivational Fit
• Technical Skills

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