Category Manager

COMPANY OVERVIEW Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise.

Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact. POSITION OVERVIEW Ascend is currently searching for a Category Manager – Direct Materials based in our Greater Houston area. As a member of the Procurement organization, this position will develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct material categories supporting our global manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities include commercial management of third-party manufacturing (tolling), catalysts, specialty chemicals, and other assigned direct materials. This position is primarily remote, with periodic travel to our Houston Corporate Office and regional manufacturing facilities as needed. This role will drive category management across multiple manufacturing facilities, lead strategic supplier relationships and contract negotiations, and partner closely with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to improve supply reliability, optimize total cost, and support business growth through strategic supplier partnerships.

TARGETED OUTCOMES Develop and implement sourcing strategies for toll manufacturing and assigned direct material categories. Improve supplier reliability, supply continuity, and commercial performance. Develop strong market knowledge of assigned chemical value chains, manufacturing processes, and supplier capabilities. Identify and implement metrics, tools, and systems to ensure successful execution of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

Develop strong market knowledge. Partner with key internal stakeholders in business, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, and technology to develop key strategic supplier relationships and manage supplier performance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories including toll manufacturing, catalysts, and other raw materials.

Lead commercial management of third-party manufacturing (tolling) partners including supplier selection, onboarding, contract negotiations, and performance management. Negotiate manufacturing service agreements, supply agreements, and other commercial contracts supporting assigned categories. Partner with Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to qualify suppliers, commercialize new products, and support strategic manufacturing initiatives.

Develop key strategic supplier relationships and function effectively as the primary communication point between internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers. Negotiate contracts to support category strategies with focus on price competitiveness, cash flow, reliability, sustainability, and risk mitigation. Execute enterprise wide strategic RFQs Assess and deliver on opportunities to support the company’s sustainability goals.

Achieve productivity metrics to exceed the annual business plan. Support Supplier Quality Management program, identify and implement key supplier metrics to monitor, measure, and improve supplier performance. Ensure standards for ethical conduct are in place and are being adhered to. REPORTS TO Procurement Director LOCATION Greater Houston Area (Remote) Periodic travel to Ascend manufacturing facilities and the Houston Corporate Office required (approximately 20–30%).

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE BS/BA degree in related technical field Minimum 8 years of experience in Pro