About Us

ND Paper, a leading paper product manufacturer in the US with approx. $1 billion annual sales, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited, the largest containerboard producer in China and Asia, with $10 billion annual sales. We are an environmentally friendly company that manufactures various types of high-quality pulp, paper and paper-based packaging materials. Our mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron Wisconsin are integrated paper & pulp facilities.

The Commodity & Chemical Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for chemical and commodity inputs critical to ND Paper's mill operations. This role drives supplier performance, negotiates cost efficiencies, ensures supply continuity, and supports the company’s cost, quality, and sustainability objectives. The ideal candidate brings strong commercial acumen, deep industry knowledge in pulp and paper chemical markets, and cross-functional leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

Develop and lead end-to-end sourcing strategies for key commodity and chemical categories (e.g., caustic soda, starches, polymers, colorants, process chemicals).
Perform total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses and market intelligence reviews to inform procurement decisions.
Identify and qualify suppliers aligned with ND Paper’s mill production needs and environmental compliance standards.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

Manage strategic supplier relationships, including performance reviews, corrective actions, and innovation partnerships.
Negotiate long-term agreements and mitigate supply risk through multi-sourcing or buffer strategies.
Collaborate with Quality, Technical, and EHS teams to ensure supplier compliance with ND Paper specifications and safety protocols.

Operational Support

Partner with mill-based operations, production planning, and logistics to ensure seamless inbound supply of chemicals and raw materials.
Monitor usage trends, coordinate with inventory teams, and proactively address supply-demand imbalances.
Work closely with finance and accounting to ensure accurate price tracking and budget forecasting.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Savings

Drive year-over-year savings targets through competitive bidding, value engineering, or alternate formulations.
Lead or support cross-functional initiatives to improve procurement operations, sustainability, or product performance.
Stay ahead of market trends in pulp & paper and chemical supply chains, including regulatory impacts (e.g., REACH, TSCA, EPA rules).

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, preferably in chemicals, pulp & paper, or heavy manufacturing.
Strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred) and Excel-based modeling.
Must be willing to travel up to 25%
Proficiency in Mandarin

Preferred:

Experience managing categories exceeding $20M in annual spend.
Technical understanding of industrial chemicals and how they impact paper manufacturing.
Knowledge of sustainability regulations and supplier risk frameworks.

Key Competencies:

Influence Without Authority – Drives change and alignment across mills and corporate without formal control.
Negotiation & Persuasion – Confidently navigates pricing, service terms, and supplier accountability.
Analytical Thinking – Assesses options with rigor; makes decisions backed by data.
Curiosity & Industry Insight – Stays informed on chemical trends, market shifts, and innovation.
Resilience – Maintains performance under pressure, especially during supply chain disruptions.
Ethics & Integrity – Prioritizes compliance, sustainability, and responsible sourcing practices.

Success Indicators

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Category Manager - Commodity & Chemical