Regional Category Manager

Regional Category Manager

Envalior · Tokyo, Japan (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-04

Workplace: hybrid

Department: Procurement

Description

Join Envalior – Imagine The Future!

Are you passionate about pioneering change in a constantly evolving environment? At Envalior, we are seeking a talented Regional Category Manager to join our dynamic procurement team.

At Envalior, the future of high-performance materials isn't just being shaped; it's being pioneered. A belief in fostering an environment where every voice is heard and ideas are valued is integral to our culture. Empowerment is the driving force behind our pioneering spirit, allowing our teams to take initiative, explore new solutions, and revel in the thrill of constant innovation.

Join us and be a part of a team committed to making a positive impact—where safety, sustainability, collaboration, and empowerment intersect to drive innovation.

IMAGINE THE FUTURE WITH ENVALIOR

As our Regional Category Manager at Envalior, you need to:

• Implement and realize the strategy for direct Spend for the category clusters within corporate requirements and guidelines, to ensure results on all KPI’s and contribute to the overall result for Envalior.
• To lead cross-functional teams in developing and implementing procurement strategy for categories as to deliver maximized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings for these assigned categories in line with Envalior procurement guidelines.
• To identify and mitigate business risks caused by single source positions and changes in market dynamics, next to create maximal possibilities in implementing Envalior strategy.
• Agility to the local market pace and reflect with proper adjustment promptly, knowledge of  the end-to-end value chain availability of assigned category in APAC.

Key areas of accountability/responsibility

• Global category implementation in Japan: Implement all global category strategies, sourcing decisions and agreements applicable to Japan, in close collaboration with Global Category Managers, Contract Managers and local stakeholders. Provide Japan market intelligence, supplier insights and business requirements as input to global category plans, and ensure effective deployment at local sites in line with Envalior procurement policies and guidelines.
• Japan local supplier management: Manage relationships with local suppliers in Japan and act as the primary local procurement contact. Establish and maintain effective supplier relationships, conduct regular performance reviews, monitor contract compliance and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, sustainability and business commitment.
• Tolling management: Manage procurement and commercial activities for tolling arrangements in Japan, including supplier selection, negotiations, contract implementation and supplier performance management. Work with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality and relevant Category Managers to align capacity and service requirements, ensure continuity of supply and resolve commercial and performance issues
• Indirect sourcing in Japan: Lead local indirect sourcing activities in Japan, from stakeholder requirement alignment and supplier identification through competitive sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, contracting and implementation. Align local sourcing with relevant global and regional category strategies and agreements, and deliver competitive total cost of ownership, service quality and compliance.
• Local sourcing and negotiations: Develop and execute local sourcing plans in line with approved category strategies, using Strategic Sourcing Methodology (SSM). Lead fact-based negotiations, identify and develop competitive supply options and contractual arrangements, and share opportunities to leverage Japanese suppliers across Envalior globally with relevant Category Managers
• Contract implementation and improvement: Ensure effective implementation of procurement agreements at Japan sites in collaboration with Contract Managers and local stakeholders. Monitor contractual obligations, resolve implementation issues and identify contract improvement and renegotiation opportunities
• Supply risk, audits and sustainability: Identify and mitigate supplier and sourcing risks in Japan, including single-source exposure and changes in market dynamics. Participate in supplier audits with the Supplier Quality Manager and relevant functions, and secure key elements of the SPE (security of supply, competitiveness, quality/compliance, sustainability, innovation/technical improvements, business commitment) in Envalior’s agreements with third parties. Explore supplier sustainability solutions and technical improvement opportunities
• Cross-functional projects and value delivery: Lead cross-functional sourcing and raw material improvement projects in Japan to deliver total cost of ownership savings and manage risk. Provide direction and support throughout the sourcing process, align procurement activities with business plans and communicate Envalior’s growth requirements to suppliers.
• Stakeholder collaboration and procurement processes: Manage relationships with internal customers in Japan, collect feedback on sourcing outcomes and identify further cost reduction opportunities. Facilitate knowledge sharing and communication with Global Category Managers and Contract Managers, ensure the use of standardized procurement processes and strengthen recognition of Envalior Procurement within the local stakeholder community.

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate

1) Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering or related fields. Specialization in chemistry/material science would be preferred
• with more than 5 years work experience in a regional/global role within an global company
• Fluency in English and Japanese, proficiency in Chinese would be a plus.

2) Other Competencies, Skills and Requirements:

Agility, Influence skill, Stragtegic thinking methodology, Cross function collaboration, stakeholder management skills, results- oriented and strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation skills.

Benefits

WHY ENVALIOR?

Competitive Compensation

Join us at Envalior and enjoy competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program and individual performance bonuses, ensuring your hard work is recognized and rewarded.

Comprehensive Benefits

Your well-being matters to us. At Envalior, we provide an array of benefits supporting your financial security, health, and overall well-being. This includes retirement plans, health programs, life insurance, and comprehensive medical care.

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility

Maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life with Envalior's commitment to supporting your schedule.

Training & Development Opportunities

At Envalior, your growth matters. We encourage and invest in your professional and personal development. We support our employees in their growth and personal development through ongoing investment in their knowledge and skills via training, coaching, and mentoring.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Envalior, our people drive our success, so it’s only right that we provide a diverse and inclusive working environment and foster a culture of belonging, openness, and respect. We value diversity as a cornerstone of our success. We are committed to nurturing and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.

APPLY NOW!

Ready to pioneer change with Envalior? Join us in our mission to drive innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Apply today and become a part of our transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.

Submit your application online by sending your CV and motivation letter in English through our career portal. If you have any questions, feel free to connect directly with our recruiter at [email protected]

Envalior is honored to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to ensuring that no individual is discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics that are legally protected.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

OUR HERITAGE

With a combined heritage of over 100 years, Envalior brings together two established global materials players: DSM Engineering Materials and LANXESS High Performance Materials. Our unique combined portfolio of longstanding material-, application-, and design expertise enables our customers to develop and launch sustainable future-proof designs. Envalior is the brand new materials powerhouse that was Launched in early 2023. 

We aim to be a global leader in sustainable and high-performance engineering materials. We imagine the future by shaping the world of today and tomorrow. We’re conscious that this is both a privilege and a responsibility – so, when we imagine the future, we’re guided by our key values to help us create a better world.

Apply

Apply at Envalior

---

Powered by Workable