Category Manager - Chemicals (m/f/d)

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. The Category 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 on agrochemical‑related procurement, 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 undertotal cost of ownershipandsupplier relationship managementprinciples, ensuring compliance with legal and internal standards (e.g., Code of Ethics, ESG)
• Implement procurement initiatives across global matrix organizations
• 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, chemical engineering, business administration, economics or comparable
• Track record in procuring agrochemicals, chemicals or raw materials in a production environment
• Experience in strategic procurement - ideally in agricultural businesses
• IT literacy in relevant systems (SAP, Supplier Relationship Management Systems, MS Office) is an asset
• Analytical and excellent negotiating skills
• Networker with intercultural expertise and competency
• Experienced in working in complex matrix organizations in a global multi-cultural context
• Knows chemical market trends for seed treatments, price volatility and risk mitigation
• Strong stakeholder management skills and customer orientation
• Questioning the status-quo, being eager to develop own expertise in order to provide excellent service delivery
• Diligent and dead-driven driven
• Ability to initiate and to implement change sustainably
• Excellent communication skills paired with the ability to build sustainable rapport with key stakeholders
• Willing to travel
• Excellent command of English; additional languages 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