Category Manager - Chemicals (m/f/d)

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Job ID: 16664

Category Manager – Chemicals | Drive Strategy. Create Value. Enable Innovation!

Be the procurement expert behind the agrochemicals that power seed treatments and enhancements, shaping global sourcing decisions with tangible business impact.

TheCategory Manager – Chemicals (m/f/d) serves as a global strategic procurement role withinGlobal Business Operation (GBO) – Source-to-Pay (S2P) directly reporting to theLead of Direct Procurement- without team leadership responsibilities.

The position focuses onagrochemical‑relatedprocurement, especially for seed enhancements and treatments.

This is a full-time, permanent position at our Berlin-based entity –KWS Berlin GmbH .

Responsibilities:

• Create transparency on group-wide spend and manage agrochemical‑related purchasing
• Develop and align procurement strategies with BUs and global functions undertotalcost ofownershipandsupplierrelationshipmanagementprinciples, ensuring compliance with legal and internal standards (e.g., Code of Ethics, ESG)
• Drive continuous improvements in processes and systems related to direct procurement
• Manage the full category, supplier lifecycle, contracts, and innovation pipeline
• Achieve productivity, cost-efficiency, and COGS optimization targets
• Serve as main contact for internal stakeholders and build strong supplier relationships
• Strengthen procurement tools and processes for both strategic and tactical work

Key tasks:

• Provide deep expertise in at least two agrochemical procurement areas (e.g., seed enhancements, seed treatments)
• Lead the fullStrategic Sourcing (S2C)cycle: strategy development, negotiation, contracting, and handover
• Manage procurement across multiple BUs and functions
• Develop and align category strategies with key stakeholders up to C‑level
• Create templates and tools to improve category management efficiency
• Lead procurement-related projects and drive change initiatives
• Support budget planning processes and define key strategic projects
• Develop new concepts and support innovation (e.g., bio stimulants, generics, alternative treatments)

Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry,chemicalengineering,business administration, economicsorcomparable
• Track recordinprocuringagrochemicals, chemicalsor raw materials in a production environment
• Experiencein strategic procurement-ideally in agricultural businesses
• IT literacy in relevant systems(SAP, Supplier Relationship Management Systems, MS Office)is an asset
• Analytical andexcellentnegotiatingskills
• Networker with interculturalexpertiseand competency
• Experienced in working in complex matrix organizations in a global multi-cultural context
• Knows chemical market trends for seed treatments, pricevolatilityand risk mitigation
• Strong stakeholder management skillsand customerorientation
• Questioningthe status-quo, being eager to develop ownexpertisein order toprovide excellent service delivery
• Ability to initiateand to implement change sustainably
• Excellent communication skills paired with the ability to build sustainable rapport withkeystakeholders
• Willing to travel
• Excellent command of English; additionallanguages skills are regarded an asset

Our Offer:

• Interesting and varied job in a diverse international environment with the opportunity to contribute innovative ideas
• As a family business, we are guided by the values of closeness, reliability, vision and independence; this culture is lived in practice and ensures an open and friendly working atmosphere from day one
• Excellent work equipment and free car and bicycle parking spaces in our modern office in the heart of Berlin-Schöneberg
• We create the appropriate framework conditions for you: capital-forming benefits, Christmas and holiday pay, childcare allowance, 30d holidays, flexible working hours, holiday and Christmas bonuses, company pension scheme, JobRad and/or Jobticket
• True to our motto "Make yourself grow", we support the professional and personal development of our employees

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About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.

At KWS, diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us.

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