Mauricio de los Santos
Spring,TX
Summary
Procurement and Category Management Executive with 20+ years of experience in petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and international sourcing. Proven success managing procurement portfolios exceeding $170MM, negotiating strategic supplier agreements, optimizing margins, and leading commercial growth across North America and Latin America. Deep expertise in aromatics, aliphatic, supplier relationship management, category strategy, contract negotiation, and market intelligence.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Trading Director – Strategic Sourcing
DAXX
06.2023 - 04.2026
- Led global sourcing, trading and supplier development strategies with primary focus on petrochemical growth markets throughout Latin America.
- Managed and developed a team of 6 Business Development Executives across multiple regions.
- Oversaw $40MM annual sales budget, driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships and market expansion.
- Identified and executed new market entry opportunities, strengthening regional footprint and client base.
- Built and maintained high-level relationships with key producers, suppliers, and customers.
Global Category Manager
Caldic
08.2015 - 06.2023
- Directed strategic sourcing and category management for Aromatics and Aliphatic product lines across Latin America.
- Managed a $170MM procurement portfolio with responsibility for supplier selection, contract negotiations, pricing strategy, and inventory planning.
- Negotiated long-term supply agreements with global producers, improving supply security and margin performance.
- Achieved or exceeded gross margin targets for nine consecutive years.
- Delivered market intelligence, pricing forecasts, and sourcing recommendations to executive leadership.
- Built and maintained strategic supplier partnerships throughout North America and Latin America.
Territory Manager
Michelman, Inc.
01.2014 - 08.2015
- Managed sales and business development for Western U.S. and Latin America territories.
- Specialized in natural wax and polymer-based emulsions for coatings industry.
- Collaborated with R&D teams to develop customized product solutions.
- Negotiated pricing strategies to maximize profitability.
Procurement / Business Development
Brenntag Latin America
10.2005 - 01.2014
- Led bulk chemical procurement for Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean regions.
- Developed strategic supplier relationships to expand market share.
- Focused on aromatics and aliphatic product growth initiatives.
Logistics – Tank Container Operator
Stolt-Nielsen S.A.
05.2002 - 10.2005
- Managed isotank logistics across Latin American shipping routes.
- Negotiated freight rates to ensure cost efficiency.
- Oversaw tracking of 50–75 tank containers simultaneously.
- Increased company presence in Puerto Rico by 25% within 18 months.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Houston – Main Campus
Houston, TX06-2002
Skills
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Category Management and Strategy
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation
- P&L / Budget Management
- Strategic Sourcing
- Team Leadership & Development
- Chemical Feedstocks
- Forecasting & Market Analysis
Accomplishments
- Managed procurement portfolios exceeding $170 MM
- Exceeded gross margin targets for 9 consecutive years
- Directed sourcing and category management across Latin America
- Managed commercial operations with $40MM annual revenue responsibility
- Built long term supplier partnerships with extensive network in North America and LATAM
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Global Trading Director – Strategic Sourcing
DAXX
06.2023 - 04.2026
Global Category Manager
Caldic
08.2015 - 06.2023
Territory Manager
Michelman, Inc.
01.2014 - 08.2015
Procurement / Business Development
Brenntag Latin America
10.2005 - 01.2014
Logistics – Tank Container Operator
Stolt-Nielsen S.A.
05.2002 - 10.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Houston – Main Campus