Category Manager - Capital (60418)

LSB Industries (LSB) is seeking an experienced, dynamic Category Manager – Capital to help shape procurement strategies for high-impact capital projects. This role partners closely with Project Managers and Engineers to source equipment, materials, and services that deliver the best overall value while protecting quality, schedule, and risk. Reporting to the Manager, Category Management – Capital Projects, the Category Manager will own assigned categories—such as fixed and electrical equipment—from strategy development through sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier performance management.

This position can be performed on site at LSBs corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City or remotely with 25% travel to our various facilities and suppliers.

Responsibilities & Duties

- Serve as the lead Procurement partner for assigned categories, connecting Project Managers and Engineers with suppliers and contractors to achieve cost, quality, and delivery goals.

- Partner with project teams to shape procurement strategies, plans, and schedules that support successful project execution.

- Leverage LSBs multi-year Capital Plan to aggregate demand and unlock stronger pricing, delivery, and commercial terms.

- Lead the end-to-end RFQ/RFP process, from bid issuance and technical evaluation through collaborative award recommendations.

- Plan and lead supplier and contractor negotiations to secure optimal commercial and contractual terms.

- Develop and execute agreements and purchase orders that integrate commercial terms, technical requirements, corporate policies, and risk controls.

- Manage agreements in alignment with payment milestones and overall project schedules.

- Drive equipment and material delivery visibility from order placement through receipt, warehousing, and temporary or long-term storage.

- Monitor supplier performance and proactively resolve risks or issues affecting cost, quality, or schedule.

- Keep project teams informed of progress against the Project Procurement Plan, including emerging risks, issues, and required actions.

- Strengthen the supplier base through on-site qualification assessments and periodic audits of manufacturing, testing, and quality management systems.

- Measure and communicate category performance, including cost savings and avoidance, market benchmarks, and supplier performance metrics.

Qualifications

- Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or relevant discipline

- Minimum of 5-10 years of Procurement experience with 3+ years of related capital projects

- Experience with equipment/materials and services in a chemical plant, refinery or similar industry (Preferred)

- Experience with ERP Procurement module (JDE preferred)

- Proven expertise in end-to-end strategic sourcing for capital equipment, including supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution.

- Solid understanding of the FEL phase-gate process.

- Commercial mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Strategic thinker who translates business and project priorities into actionable category and sourcing strategies.

- Proven ability to plan and lead negotiations that secure optimal terms.

- Plant-focused mindset with the technical aptitude to understand engineering concepts, equipment applications, and operational needs.

- Ability to guide and influence Project Engineers, build trusted partnerships across project teams and Procurement, resolve issues, drive decisions, and constructively challenge established practices.

- Self-motivated, positive, and results-oriented.

- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deliver quality work in a fast-paced environment.

- Commitment to continuous improvement.

- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including reporting to senior leadership.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills.