Senior Sourcing Manager

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

About the Role

This position may be performed remotely, with the expectation of maintaining strong communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Occasional on-site engagement may be required to support business needs and foster alignment. (North America location required)

 

Are you an engineer with a passion for strategic procurement? Do you excel in driving cost-effective sourcing strategies while maintaining top-notch product quality and supplier relationships? If so, Eastman invites you to join our dynamic team as a Senior Category Manager specializing in control systems and instrumentation.

 

As a Senior Category Manager, you will lead sourcing activities for critical categories such as Analyzers, DCS, Instrumentation/Controls, PLCs, and Relief Devices. Your primary objective will be to achieve significant cost reductions while upholding product quality and supplier service levels. Leveraging your technical expertise, you will develop and implement sourcing strategies, drive supplier negotiations, and monitor category performance to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Category Leadership

o Own sourcing strategy for technical categories such as mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and engineered components.

o Conduct market intelligence, supplier risk assessments, and cost modeling to inform decisions.

o Develop multi-year category roadmaps aligned with business objectives.

 

• Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

o Lead contract negotiations for material and service agreements to achieve favorable terms and conditions.

o Establish supplier scorecards and governance processes to ensure quality, reliability, and compliance.

 

• Cost Optimization & Compliance

o Deliver measurable cost savings through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.

o Ensure adherence to company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

o Partner with engineering, maintenance, reliability, and operations teams to align sourcing strategies with technical requirements.

o Lead cross-functional teams to capture savings across commercial, specification, and demand levers of sourcing, optimizing cost-effectiveness

 

• Data Analytics & Process Excellence

o Monitor category performance metrics and assess the impact of sourcing strategies, making data-driven adjustments as needed.

o Uphold internal and external policies, regulations, and laws while fostering a culture of best practices and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience in engineering or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Buyer, or related field with a Bachelor's degree, or 10+ years without. Demonstrated track record in Procurement, specifically within the control systems and instrumentation domain. Deep technical understanding of control systems and instrumentation, with the ability to engage technical stakeholders effectively.

• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong negotiating skills paired with effective communication abilities, both written and verbal. Proven leadership capabilities and comfort in navigating conflict.

• Proficiency in project management and familiarity with capital equipment acquisition processes.

 

Interested?

For further information about this position please contact Emily Caldwell (Manager, Indirect Sourcing and Procurement) or Tori Rutherford (Talent Acquisition) or send your application via the apply button.

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