Senior Category Specialist – Procurement & Contracting

About the role

The Senior Category Specialist will support the Head of Category in shaping and executing procurement and contracting strategies across key business areas such as Business Support, Maintenance Operations, Turnaround, Technical and CAPEX. The role ensures compliance, risk management and continuous improvement while driving cost efficiencies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end contracting and procurement activities, from supplier pre‑qualification to logistics coordination.
• Review and approve tendering strategies, bid analyses, evaluation reports, negotiation approaches and contract documentation.
• Act as a primary user of SAP, Ariba, Docusign, Sievo and related IT tools.
• Manage complex sourcing events and represent the Head of Section in negotiations.
• Oversee team performance through EPAS, mentor Category Specialists and train fresh graduates.
• Maintain supplier relationships, renew contracts, monitor performance and resolve issues.
• Track and report category KPIs, savings and supplier performance.
• Identify and implement process improvements, including AI, automation and new digital technologies.
• Present category strategies to senior management and ensure alignment with company objectives and sustainability goals.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CIPS or CPSM is a plus.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in Oil & Gas, Petrochemical or large‑scale manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of contracting and procurement financial aspects.

Required skills

• Proficiency with SAP, Ariba, Docusign and Sievo.
• Expertise in tendering, negotiation and supplier performance management.
• Ability to analyse KPIs, drive cost‑reduction initiatives and implement AI/automation solutions.