Category Leader - Decatur, IL

Company: Archer Daniels Midland
Location: Decatur
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Category Leader - Decatur, IL (On-Site) This is a full-time, exempt position that will be based at an ADM location in Decatur, IL The role The Category Leader, Chemicals partners with all operational functions and business units to develop and execute long term procurement strategies aligned with business goals for chemicals. This role will collaborate and align with internal and external stakeholders to support operational and commercial objectives. He/she will work closely with cross functional leaders to understand implementation challenges and to develop solutions to increase compliance. The Category Leader will also develop processes to ensure stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision making. He/she will prepare requests for quotes/proposals and negotiate regional and global agreements for the management of chemicals spend across ADM. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that optimize cost, quality, and delivery for our organization. The role requires a strong understanding of the Chemicals industry and related supply markets, as well as a track record of delivering cost savings and driving supplier performance. Job Responsibilities Develop and execute Chemicals procurement strategies, ensuring management of risk, maximizing current/future market conditions, and defining of contingency plans to ensure critical supply needs are met for various chemical commodities and specialty chemicals. Manage supplier relationships, acting as prime negotiator with suppliers on price, terms, quality, service, and other business requirements. Monitor market trends, assess supplier risks, and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions while progressing strategic opportunities. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and systems. Review requests and align with business unit leaders on paths forward. Prepare and issue requests for quote, proposal or information to qualified suppliers. Minimum of eight (8) years professional work experience with four (4) years in purchasing chemicals for global companies, preferred Analyze supplier responses and make data-driven sourcing recommendations. Develop and implement contractual framework in close cooperation with legal. Establish short and long term category metrics and TCO savings targets, monitor performance, and communicate these to stakeholders. Manage supplier expectations and key performance metrics. Apply eSourcing best practices to all sourcing events. Serve as a single point of contact for up to 15 different chemical categories of spend, to ensure maximum leverage is consistently utilized. Establish robust communication plan to keep internal business partners informed of progress and benefits of Procurement activity. Partner with internal risk, quality, and compliance groups to ensure category strategies are compliant with relevant specs, laws, regulations, and risk policies. Act as change agent and advocate for Procurement as a value added function. Develop and implement process improvements and cost savings initiatives with suppliers. Required Competencies: Business Technology Commercial skills and familiarity with contract law Competent in financial analysis Customer solutions focused Proven negotiations skills Skilled in cost/benefit analysis and alternative decision making Technology adept (eProcurement and P2P systems, source-to-pay systems (eg. COUPA, Ariba, Maximo) and standard Office Suite such as Excel, Word, and Power Point) Capacity to develop advanced strategies Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently and thoroughly Global awareness (culture, currencies, geography, political) Continuous Improvement Chemicals VMI practices, considerations, reporting, data sharing, and communications Chemicals Demand management and forecasting components for improved assurance of supply Interpersonal Skills Communications (oral/written) Ability to influence and lead outcome Forward, visionary thinker Skilled at relationship management, with internal and external partners Team oriented Educational and Experience Requirements: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field is required MBA is preferred. Minimum of eight (8) years professional work experience with four (4) years in purchasing chemicals for global companies, preferred In-depth understanding of various contracting models is strongly desired Certified Professional of Supply Management (CPSM) certification or other Procurement related certification, a plus. Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings. ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. REF:103275BR About ADM At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com. IncludingYou Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together. We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law Benefits and Perks Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including: Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable). Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection. Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares). Additional benefits include: Paid time off including paid holidays. Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave. Tuition assistance. Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs. *Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

Keywords: Archer Daniels Midland, Springfield , Category Leader - Decatur, IL, Science, Research & Development , Decatur, Illinois