Global Category Lead Buyer

**Purchasing Department is recruiting a**

**Global Category Lead Buyer - New Development & Innovation (F/M)**

Localisation : Rueil-Malmaison

**Axens Presentation**:
Axens group provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics, all natural gas treatment and conversion options along with water treatment and carbon capture. The offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is also specialized in Carbon Capture. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility study to unit start-up and follow-up throughout the entire unit life cycle. This unique position ensures the highest level of performance with a reduced environmental footprint. Axens global offer is based on highly trained human resources, modern production facilities and an extended global network for industrial, technical supports & commercial services.

Axens combines the friendliness of a company on a human scale and the influence of a multinational environment whose customers are spread over more than 85 countries.

Axens is an IFP Group company.

**CONTEXT AND MISSIONS**

**To support its strategic development projects, Axens is seeking a Global Category Lead Buyer for New Developments and Innovation. You will be primarily responsible for global purchasing in the following areas:

- Technical services
- Raw materials
- Subcontracting and co-developments
- Partnerships

Your mission will involve managing and optimizing the category in accordance with Axens' Purchasing Policy and defined rules. You will work closely with the Global Business Division and other Business Partners to carry out purchasing activities, particularly within the framework of innovation projects. You will also contribute to the implementation of methods, tools, and procedures to ensure the development of the Purchasing Function within the Group.

**Main Responsibilities**:
1. Define Sourcing and Purchasing Strategies:

- Develop a Technical, Industrial, and Purchasing Strategy to optimize portfolio performance and competitiveness.
- Manage RFQs, negotiations, and contract management.
- Conduct market screening, benchmarking, and promote innovation.
- Be involved from the early proposal phase to project completion.
- Establish risk management mapping and relevant mitigation plans.

2. Manage Purchasing Activities in Collaboration with Project Lead Buyers:

- Engage in all new development projects related to the category.
- Collaborate with the R&D team for necessary sourcing for innovation development.
- Monitor the market to capture innovation and identify suitable partners.
- Lead supplier selection and qualification.
- Establish long-term framework agreements.
- Build robust partnerships with strategic vendors to ensure a steady supply.
- Integrate Axens' sustainability and climate policy into the sourcing and purchasing strategy.

3. Manage Supplier Relationships:

- Manage supplier business relationships and promote supplier innovation with stakeholders.
- Ensure supplier performance assessment.
- Organize regular meetings with top management to discuss supplier performance.
- Negotiate the best conditions using a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach.
- Promote and secure Axens' ESG policy and commitment.
- Monitor supplier risks and request mitigation plans.
- Support the claims/chargeback process and manage corrective actions for continuous improvement.

4. Promote and Maintain Relationships with Relevant Services:

- Share knowledge, methods, market analysis, best practices, and engineering experiences.

5. Contribute to the Continuous Improvement of the Purchasing Department:

- Participate in the continuous improvement plan (skills, training, new employee coaching, processes, tools).

**KNOWLEGDE AND SKILLS REQUIRED**

You graduated with a Master's degree in Purchasing (such as DESMA or MAI, Business School) and have 5 to 7 years of experience in Global Purchasing for chemical products or technical services. A background in chemistry is a plus.

As a Category Manager, autonomy and flexibility will be assets for fully adapting to a context of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Additional knowledge in areas such as Incoterms, tax, and transport will be required. A significant legal background is expected, especially for discussing contractual matters with the Legal department. Proficiency in English is essential for this position.

Your global vision of purchasing organization and processes will enable you to work efficiently within a multidisciplinary team.

You possess strong analytical, synthetic, and rigorous abilities, have a good sense of listening, and are an effective communicator. Your team spirit is well recognized.

As a skilled negotiator, you know how to achieve your performance objectives an