Senior Category Specialist

Overview

The Senior Category Specialist will play a critical role supporting the Head of Category by designing and executing procurement and contracting policies and strategies. This position oversees contracting activities for key segments including Business Support, Maintenance Operations, Turnaround, Technical, and CAPEX categories while ensuring compliance and managing related risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement and contracting efforts covering supplier evaluation, tendering, contract formation, capital expenditure sourcing, and logistics coordination.
• Approve tendering approaches, bid evaluations, negotiations, and contractual documents, ensuring conformance with company policies and standards.
• Utilize enterprise IT tools such as SAP, Ariba, DocuSign, and Sievo actively in daily operations.
• Direct complex sourcing projects, represent leadership in meetings, and spearhead negotiations as needed.
• Manage and enhance team performance through employee appraisal systems and support continuous skill development.
• Oversee supplier relationships including contract renewals, performance assessments, compliance monitoring, and resolution of supplier issues.
• Mentor category specialists to disseminate best practices and deepen sourcing expertise.
• Drive process improvements and adopt emerging technologies like AI and automation to increase efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
• Present detailed category strategies and progress updates to senior management and committees.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure alignment between category initiatives and organizational goals, including growth and sustainability targets.
• Promote cost reduction and operational optimization efforts throughout the category team.
• Support the Center of Excellence in developing and revising procurement procedures and standards.
• Train and develop fresh graduates to cultivate local procurement talent pools.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, or a related discipline is required.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are preferable.
• A minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience with a focus on Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, or large manufacturing sectors.
• Strong understanding of financial aspects related to contracting and procurement.
• Proficient knowledge of contracts and procurement IT and IMS tools.
• Experience managing contracting strategies, tender procedures, and supplier prequalification processes.
• Expertise in contract and agreement preparation, including finalization, change orders, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Skill in conducting contractor service quality assessments and performance audits.