Building on a strong legacy of almost 150 years, we are leading the way to reimagine and improve life every day. Today and for generations to come. Through our innovative and sustainable brands and technologies, across our teams around the world.
Henkel holds leading positions in both industrial and consumer businesses: Our portfolio includes well-known hair care products, laundry detergents, fabric softeners as well as adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings.
Global Category Team Leader Surface Treatment & Surfactants
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About this position
About this Position
Are you a strategic procurement leader looking to make a global impact? As the Global Category Team Leader for Surface Treatment & Surfactants, you will define and execute global category strategies aligned with our business ambitions. You will lead a high-performing global team, drive end-to-end value creation, foster innovation, and build a resilient, sustainable supply base across all regions and strategic business units.
What you´ll do
- Develop short-, mid-, and long-term global category strategies, targets, and execution models to maximize regional leverage.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a global category team, driving best-in-class sourcing practices and onboarding.
- Foster knowledge sharing and best practice cross-fertilization within the category team and wider procurement organization.
- Systematically define and execute end-to-end cost optimization initiatives.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement robust mitigation strategies for supply and price risks.
- Define, develop, and manage a strategic supplier portfolio to build long-term relationships and tap into supplier innovation.
- Drive and implement value-chain sustainability initiatives in line with company targets.
- Ensure data accuracy, full compliance with purchasing standards, periodic progress reporting, and proper documentation.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional internal stakeholders to steer global sourcing projects.
What makes you a good fit
- Minimum 6 years of professional strategic sourcing experience in a global organization.
- Master’s degree in Procurement, Business Administration, or related field (or Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience).
- Solid chemistry knowledge or a background in the chemical sector is highly preferred.
- Proven track record in strategic sourcing, strategy creation, and complex negotiations within a global matrix organization.
- Strong business acumen and analytical skills to drive end-to-end cost efficiencies.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Demonstrated leadership skills to steer, motivate, and develop global teams.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, high adaptability, customer focus, and digital savviness.
- Market experience or value-chain knowledge in relevant chemical industries is a strong advantage.
Some perks of joining Henkel
- Flexible work scheme with flexible hours, hybrid work model, and work from anywhere policy for up to 30 days per year
- Diverse national and international growth opportunities
- Global wellbeing standards with health and preventive care programs
- Gender-neutral parental leave for a minimum of 8 weeks
- Employee Share Plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares
- Pension Fund
- Disability Insurance
- Health Insurance discount
- Canteen discount
At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Become part of the team and bring your uniqueness to us! We welcome all applications across different genders, origins, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, and generations.
JOB ID: 26099163
Job Locations: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Contact information for application-related questions: recruitment.benelux@henkel.com
Please do not use this email address for sending your application or CV. To apply, please click on the "Apply for this role" button below. Applications sent via e-mail will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: As long as the vacancy is listed on our Career Site, we are happy to receive your application
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About Henkel
FAQ
I am interested in several jobs. Can I apply for multiple positions at the same time?
Yes – simply fill out your profile in our online application system. Once your online profile is complete, you can apply for multiple positions.
The job offer is written in English – should I write my application in English as well?
Yes, please. As Henkel is an international company you will be working with colleagues from all over the world and English is our official company language. Generally, the ‘rule’ is: please write the application in the same language as the job ad.
Do I get feedback during the application process about the state of my application?
Each position that we have open with Henkel is unique, and finding the right candidate is important for both the hired candidate as well as for Henkel. We want to make sure that both the candidate and the company are a good fit for each other. We will provide feedback to the candidates throughout the entire process.
Can employees move between business areas and/or to a different country?
Yes, in fact it is an expectation within Henkel that our talent is flexible and mobile. This helps to support the company on a broad, global level.
Our “Triple Two” philosophy promotes this expectation, by allowing you to work in at least two different roles, in two different business areas and two different countries. The reason behind this philosophy is that we believe working in different roles, business units and functions is good for your personal development and improves your understanding of Henkel as a global company.
Here you will get further information on our training programs.
Whom do I contact if I have questions concerning my application?
Our recruiting team will help you with all requests regarding your application. Contact the team here.