Sr. Category Specialist

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will support the Head of Category in developing and implementing contracting and procurement policies, procedures, and strategies, reviews and approves tendering and contracting strategies within delegated authority, manages business, technical, and commercial risks, and ensures contract compliance, operational continuity, and effective team performance. for assigned categories (i.e., Business Support, Maintenance Operations, Turnaround, Technical and CAPEX).

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead and supervise contracting and procurement activities across the full need-to-pay cycle, including supplier prequalification, tendering, contract establishment, capital procurement, and logistics coordination.
• Review and approve tendering strategies, bid analyses, evaluation reports, negotiation approaches, and contract documentation to ensure alignment with approved strategies, company procedures, and applicable standards.
• Be an active User of IT Systems, such as: SAP / Ariba, Docusign, Sievo, etc.
• Lead complex sourcing events, tenders, and negotiations, representing the Head of Sections in meetings and events when required.
• Lead the team and support managing the performance of the team through EPAS (“Employee Performance Appraisal System”).
• Manage supplier relationships, contract renewals, and performance reviews.
• Ensure supplier compliance and resolve performance issues.
• Mentor and guide Category Specialists, sharing best practices and sourcing knowledge.
• Support process improvement initiatives and team development.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Track and report on category KPIs, savings, and supplier performance.
• Identify and implement process improvements and support adoption of new technologies, including AI and automation.
• Stay updated on industry trends and market developments.
• Supporting Center of Excellence in the creation and revision of procurement processes.
• Good knowledge and experience of contracting acumen.
• Present category strategies and results to senior management and committees.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure category strategies meet business needs.
• Ensure category strategies support company objectives, growth, sustainability goals and risk management.
• Drive cost reduction and process optimization to enhance team productivity and efficiency.
• Promote use of AI, automation, and digital tools to optimize category management.
• Implement new technologies to improve efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
• Train and mentor fresh graduates to build local procurement talent. 

Desired Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline, finance or relevant field.
• Professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent) will be added as an advantage. 
• Minimum of 8 Years of direct and relevant experience, within the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, or Large Manufacturing Industry.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Contracting and Procurement Financial Aspects.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Contracts and Procurement IT and IMS Tools.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Contracting Strategy and Tendering Procedure.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Contractor and Supplier Prequalification.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Agreement, Contract preparation and management.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Finalizing Agreements and Contracts.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Change Order, Claim and Contract Dispute Settlement.
• Having good knowledge & experience in Contractor Service Quality and Performance Audits.