Category Manager

About the Role
This position involves procuring materials and services through a strategic approach, selecting the right vendors while ensuring quality control and adherence to the company’s policies and procedures. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the purchasing team and processes, including sourcing, negotiation, supplier identification, new project mobilization, delivery, and supplier management.

Responsibilities

STRATEGIC:

• Strategic Development
  • Perform spend analysis to plan the Long-Term Purchase Agreements (LTPA)/Tender categories based on priority and needs.
  • Identify and pre-qualify new potential suppliers, prepare tender documents with the necessary scope, and conduct technical and commercial evaluations.
  • Arrange samples for approval, facilitate E-Auctions to choose the right supplier, and prepare supplier contract agreements.

OPERATIONAL:

• General Task Management

  • Oversee and supervise the purchasing team to ensure timely procurement in adherence to company policies and procedures.
  • Verify and approve Purchase Orders (PO), Approval Request Forms (ARF), and transport indents in the portal.
  • Assess and source quotations from potential suppliers.
  • Negotiate contracts, improving prices, payment, and delivery terms with suppliers while reviewing opportunities for business savings.

• New Project Mobilization

  • Understand the needs of new projects and formulate material and service delivery plans according to requirements and deadlines.
  • Regularly update operation heads on the progress of mobilization and resolve any issues encountered.
  • Monitor and track spending to ensure it remains within the allocated budget.

• Supplier Performance Management & Evaluation

  • Monitor supplier and subcontractor performance in conjunction with store and site personnel, evaluate contract performance, and address any non-compliance.
  • Evaluate supplier performance based on cost, quality of goods/services, competency, and consistency.

• Reports, Analysis & Audit

  • Prepare reports on PO spend, open POs, pending indents, and savings for presentation to management.
  • Liaise with internal and external auditors to review various contracts and the contracting process to determine completeness, efficacy, and accuracy of the procurement process.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT:

• Relationship Management

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Regularly communicate with stakeholders, arrange and attend internal and external meetings to address issues faced.
  • Ensure a professional and consistent approach is taken regarding all supplier relationships.
  • Strengthen supplier relationships through trust-building communication, addressing concerns, and involving them in processes to resolve escalated issues.

• Employee Engagement

  • Engage employees in decision-making processes and encourage ownership.

PRODUCT / PROCESS IMPROVEMENT:

• Continuous Improvement
  • Conduct market research through industry-related expos, online research, and seminars to identify new potential suppliers and products, as well as areas for process improvement.
  • Evaluate areas of opportunity to reduce costs wherever possible.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Engineering

EXPERIENCE:

• 8 years of experience in soft service procurement, with knowledge of sourcing and procurement techniques.
• Market intelligence regarding sources and trends.
• Experience in collecting and analyzing data; highly organized and detail-oriented.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILL:

• Expertise in soft services procurement, strategic sourcing, and category management.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in negotiation and understanding market intelligence.
• Familiarity with procurement ERP systems and vendor portals, as well as cost-benefit and price analysis.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a results-oriented mindset.