Indirect Category Lead Professional Services

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including consumer, industrial, institutional, food and beverage, and pool and spa water markets. Owned by Platinum Equity, the company's product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, and cleaners and disinfectants, as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 69 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 16,100 professionals in 130 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2024 US Best Managed Company, recognized fouryears in a row. For more information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com.

Solenis is seeking a strategic and experienced Indirect Category Lead - Professional Services to join the Global Procurement team. In this high-impact role, you will lead sourcing and category management across key professional service areas including consulting, legal, audit, HR, and financial services, driving value, compliance, and innovation through strong partnerships and effective procurement strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across professional services categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Manage the professional services category to deliver measurable value, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key service providers to ensure performance, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Lead negotiations for MSAs, SOWs, and other service agreements, securing favorable commercial terms and mitigating risk.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, HR, and other internal teams to align procurement initiatives with business needs.
• Analyze category spend and supplier performance to identify cost-saving and process improvement opportunities.
• Ensure sourcing activities adhere to company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
• Drive efficiencies and innovation through supplier development, demand management, and market insights.
• Monitor and report procurement KPIs, category performance, and market trends to inform business decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field (Master's or MBA preferred).
• 5-8 years of procurement experience, including at least 3 years in professional services procurement.
• In-depth understanding of procurement processes, sourcing strategies, and contract management.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex negotiations and supplier relationships.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a matrixed, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in procurement tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and data analytics.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is a plus.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in an international and matrix-based environment.
• Proven ability to deliver cost savings and value through strategic sourcing.
• Experience with ESG and supplier diversity programs is preferred.
• Skilled in managing change and supporting procurement transformation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with confidence engaging suppliers and internal stakeholders.

This role is hybrid, based in Wilmington, DE, 3 days a week.

#LI-hybrid

We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, including Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@solenis.com