Regional Category Associate

As a Regional Category Associate, Reactants Americas, you will help develop sourcing strategies for critical raw material categories across the Americas region. You will work with suppliers and partners to lead value through strategic sourcing, market analysis, supplier negotiations, cost savings projects, and sustainability programs. You will offer the opportunity to influence procurement decisions that support business growth and long-term supply continuity. You will report to Global Category Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• You will develop sourcing strategies for assigned raw material categories across the Americas region.
• You will analyze supplier markets, pricing trends, and industry developments to support sourcing decisions and our goals.
• You will build category expertise and provide market insights that help guide procurement strategy and respond to changing market conditions.
• You will lead supplier bid events, pricing discussions, and contract negotiations to deliver cost savings and improve overall value.
• You will evaluate sourcing opportunities, assess risks, and recommend solutions that strengthen supply continuity and our performance.
• You will support sustainability projects by partnering with suppliers and company partners to achieve category goals.
• You will develop forecasts and provide insights on raw material costs, market conditions, and budget planning.
• You will track procurement projects, cost savings, and working capital projects and maintain accurate reporting.
• You will collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and other partners to align sourcing strategies and supplier performance expectations.
• You will identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and support continuous improvement across the procurement organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, Supply Chain, or a related function.
• Experience supporting supplier negotiations, sourcing projects, or cost-saving projects.
• Advanced Excel experience working with data and reporting tools.
• Proficiency in English.

We will discuss benefits such as salary, vacation premium and health insurance, paid leave later in the interview process.

How we work: At PPG, we bring teams together to accelerate collaboration and career development, with in-person work Monday through Thursday and the opportunity to work remotely on Flexible Fridays. Schedules may vary by location.

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.