Job Description

Position Title:
Category Manager, Raw Materials Sourcing
Pay Rate:
$95,000 - $118,600
Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.
Category/Shift:
Salaried Full-Time
Physical Location:
Memphis, TN Corporate HQ
The Job You Will Perform:
International Paper is seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager to lead the sourcing and supplier management of chemical-related expenses of $80-$100 million across our mill operations. This role is critical to ensuring reliable supply, driving cost efficiencies, and supporting sustainability goals across our domestic footprint.
Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Leadership

Own and lead multiple chemical product categories. Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and supply reliability. * Supplier Management & Market Intelligence
Build strong supplier relationships and maintain deep knowledge of the chemical supply chain, market dynamics, and emerging trends. Proactively identify risks and opportunities. * Contract Negotiation & Implementation
Lead complex negotiations and establish contracts that deliver long-term value. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and manage supplier performance throughout the contract lifecycle. * Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with mill operations, technology, sustainability, and business units to align procurement strategies with operational needs and innovation goals. * Cost Optimization & Value Creation
Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvements through supplier engagement, process enhancements, and strategic sourcing initiatives. * Sustainability & Compliance
Champion sustainability by engaging suppliers on GHG reduction strategies and aligning with IP's Third-Party Code of Conduct and Sustainability Strategy. * Operational Excellence
Support tactical procurement tasks including contract database maintenance, pricing updates, audit readiness, and resolution of invoicing/payment issues.
The Skills You Will Bring:

• Education & Experience - Bachelor's degree required; prefer 7-10+ years in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement-preferably in chemicals, industrial materials, or manufacturing environments. Open to other experiences.
• Procurement & Commercial Expertise - Proven success in negotiating complex, high-value contracts and delivering measurable cost savings. Deep understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and commercial practices.
• Strategic & Analytical Skills - Strong analytical capabilities to interpret market trends, build cost models, and forecast budget impacts. Able to translate data into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Risk Management & Business Continuity - Experience developing contingency plans for supply disruptions, including force majeures and logistics challenges, to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Innovation & Technical Collaboration - Ability to collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to improve chemical formulations, explore sustainable alternatives, and support innovation initiatives.
• Contract Strategy - Skilled in structuring contracts for volatile markets, including index-based pricing, volume commitments, and performance-based terms.
• Leadership & Collaboration - Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive alignment across business units.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement - Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build trust and manage relationships with suppliers, facilities, and internal partners.
• Industry Knowledge - Familiarity with chemicals used in pulp and paper manufacturing (e.g., bleaching agents, pulping chemicals, retention aids, water treatment) and their impact on operations, quality, and compliance.
• Technical Proficiency - Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital procurement tools (e.g., e-sourcing platforms, contract lifecycle management, analytics dashboards).
• Regulatory & Environmental Compliance - Working knowledge of EPA, REACH, TSCA, and other relevant regulations. Ability to ensure supplier adherence to environmental and safety standards.
• Integrity & Ethics - High level of professionalism, ethical conduct, and commitment to corporate values.
• Key Competencies

• Drives Results and Action Oriented
• Strategic Mindset and Nimble Learning
• Manages Ambiguity and Being Resilient
• Interpersonal Savvy and Action Oriented
• Resourcefulness and Cultivates Innovation

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets.
The Career You Will Build:
Sales and Leadership training, promotional opportunities within a global company
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com
International Paper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement - Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Request an accommodation - +1 877-973-3919
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Location:
MEMPHIS, TN, US, 38197
Category: Sourcing
Date: Sep 26, 2025
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