Senior Category Specialist (Projects & TA)

Senior Category Specialist (Projects & TA)

Working Location

Doha

Department

Strategic Procurement - Projects & TA Category

Reports to

Head, Strategic Procurement

Date Prepared / Revised

June 2023

Job Purpose / Objective

Execute the category procurement strategy by conducting strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, implementing procurement best practices, negotiating framework agreements, and handling contract administration (post award). Lead collaboration with end users and suppliers to identify cost saving initiatives for category procurement, manage high-value purchase orders outside of framework agreements, and conduct risk management assessment for the complete L2 category. Manage and resolve complex claims, disputes, and contractual discrepancies.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Execution:
  • Develop technical and commercial expertise in the procurement category, define category spend and preferred supplier policies, and implement category strategy ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Handle relevant claims and disputes, coordinate discrepancies in contracts' terms and conditions with suppliers, and lead discussions on complex claims and disputes for the L2 category.
  • Conduct category risk management and develop mitigation plans.
  • Build and update service masters and support end users regarding masters' usage.
  • Monitor and report KPIs, and initiate improvement actions.
  • Act as Risk Champion for risk and compliance processes, and support audit exercises and other responsibilities as assigned by the Category Head.
  • Train and assist category specialists in their tasks.
• Strategic Sourcing:
  • Analyse internal and external factors for category management and assist in demand forecasts in cooperation with end-users and procurement teams.
  • Provide market insights for long-term forecasting and category planning, aligned with stakeholders and supported by the Head of Procurement.
  • Recommend levers for maximizing value from procurement spend, including specification improvements and partnerships.
  • Execute category strategies (framework agreements, re-negotiations, initiative studies, etc.), conduct risk management, and support achievement of success factors and KPIs in supply agreements.
• Supplier Management & Contracts Administration:
  • Conduct sourcing projects (RFP preparation/review, pricing/term negotiation, contract drafting, supplier relationship management, etc.).
  • Develop supplier portfolios and monitor supply markets and agreements.
  • Manage high-value tenders ensuring procedural and legal compliance.
  • Lead supplier selection and contract negotiations, develop supplier relationship management plans, integrate new suppliers, and oversee supplier transition.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and vendor relationship initiatives, maintain risk registers, and resolve supplier performance issues.
  • Conduct post-award contract administration, including variations, claims, and disputes.
• Development & Continuous Improvement:
  • Be receptive to feedback and pursue self-development through offered trainings.
  • Share knowledge and contribute to retention of key practices and documentation.
  • Contribute to improving departmental systems, policies, processes, and practices based on international best practices.
• Policies, Systems, and Procedures:
  • Support development and continuous improvement of departmental systems, policies, and procedures.
  • Prepare documentation for tender committee as required.
  • Approve awards and purchases for Category Specialists within defined value limits.
  • Ensure compliance with company code of conduct, regulations, and standards.
  • Organize team meetings with stakeholders when necessary.
• Quality, Health, Security, Safety and Environment:
  • Ensure compliance with relevant QHSSE procedures and controls to guarantee employee safety and delivery of high-quality products/services.
• Reporting:
  • Report regularly to management on progress of tenders and strategic sourcing events.
  • Prepare timely and accurate reports to meet departmental standards.
• Qatarization:
  • Support the development of Qatari employees.

Requirements

• Education:
  • Required: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or postgraduate qualification in Contract Management or Project Management.
• Experience:
  • Required: 5-7 years multi-disciplinary experience, with at least 3 years in Oil & Gas or Petrochemical industry or major industrial procurement, and 2-3 years in Strategic procurement.
  • Preferred: 7-10 years experience, with 6 years in O&G/Petrochemicals at specialist/professional level in Strategic procurement.
• Certifications (Preferred):
  • International certifications such as CIPS, CSCP, SCMA, ISM, or other supply chain designations.
  • Experience with SAP (including SAP Ariba) and MS Office Applications.
• Skills:
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Conflict Management
• Languages:
  • English - proficient
  • Arabic - working knowledge (preferred)

Working Relationships

• Internal: Head of Strategic Procurement, Category Specialists, and all relevant departments
• External: Suppliers and Vendors, Contractors, Third-party Service Providers, Consultants, Advisors

Contract Type

Permanent (unless otherwise specified)

Disclaimer

The above job description provides general information and is not restrictive regarding overall work requirements that may be prescribed by management. It is designed to reflect the general nature and level of work performed and is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees in this role.