Senior Category Specialist (Projects & TA)

Senior Category Specialist (Projects & TA)

Working Location

Doha, Qatar

Contract Type

Permanent

Department

Strategic Procurement - Projects & TA Category

Reporting To

Head, Strategic Procurement

Job Purpose / Objective

Execute the category procurement strategy by conducting strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, implementing best practices for procurement activities, negotiating framework agreements, and handling contract administration (post award). Lead collaboration with end users and suppliers to identify cost-saving initiatives for category procurement. Handle high-value purchase orders outside of framework agreements. Conduct risk management assessments for the complete L2 category. Lead efforts to manage all relevant and complex claims, disputes, and discrepancies in contract terms and conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Expertise & Strategy
  • Develop technical and commercial expertise in procurement category, define clear category spend and preferred supplier policies, and implement category strategy ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Handle relevant claims, disputes, and coordinate discrepancies in contract terms with suppliers. Lead complex claims and disputes for the L2 category.
  • Conduct category risk management, identify potential risks, and develop mitigation plans.
  • Build and update service masters and support users regarding master usage.
  • Support KPI monitoring, reporting, and generate improvement actions.
  • Act as Risk Champion for Enterprise Risk and Compliance process within the L2 category.
  • Support internal and external audits and any other tasks assigned by the Category Head.
  • Train and assist other category specialists in their tasks.
• Category Strategy Execution
  • Continuously analyze internal and external factors to inform category management.
  • Develop short, mid, and long-term demand forecasts in collaboration with end users, Finance, and Strategic Procurement.
  • Contribute to market insights, trends, and cost information to assist in category strategies and plans aligned with stakeholders.
  • Recommend value extraction levers for sub-categories, including non-commercial levers.
  • Execute strategies for managed L3 categories as per the annual plan, including development and renegotiation of framework agreements.
  • Support risk management and development of category objectives and KPIs.
• Strategic Sourcing
  • Lead sourcing projects including RFP preparation, negotiation, contract drafting, and supplier relationship management.
  • Develop supplier portfolios for strategic sourcing initiatives based on supply market research.
  • Monitor markets and agreements to ensure sustainable benefit realization from sourcing.
  • Manage high-value tenders, ensuring procedural and legal compliance.
  • Conduct supplier selection with stakeholders according to established policies.
  • Develop contracts and templates, collaborating with legal as needed.
  • Integrate new suppliers and manage transitions effectively.
  • Provide progress visibility on sourcing events to end users.
• Supplier Management & Contract Administration
  • Define supplier qualification criteria and draft Supplier Relationship Management plans.
  • Conduct supplier and vendor relationship management, including innovation and cost reduction initiatives.
  • Evaluate vendor performance and develop improvement measures.
  • Maintain risk registers and contractor performance data.
  • Act as escalation point for supplier performance issues.
  • Coordinate and resolve contract discrepancies and handle complex claims and disputes within the category.
  • Conduct post-award contract administration, including handling variations and claims.
• Development
  • Act on feedback and pursue offered training initiatives.
  • Contribute to knowledge retention by sharing and documenting best practices.
• Policies, Systems, and Procedures
  • Identify continuous improvement opportunities for procurement systems and processes.
  • Support development of departmental systems, policies, procedures to meet business needs.
  • Prepare documents for Tender Committee as required.
  • Approve contracts/agreements/purchases for Category Specialists within defined authority.
  • Maintain high compliance with internal codes, regulations, and standards.
  • Organize category team meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• Quality, Health, Security, Safety, and Environment
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and internal safety and environmental guidelines.
• Reporting
  • Provide transparent progress reports on tenders and sourcing events for management review.

Requirements

• Education:
  • Required: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Engineering and/or postgraduate qualification in Contract or Project Management.
• Experience:
  • Required: 5-7 years of multidisciplinary experience with at least 3 in Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, or major industrial procurement, and 2-3 years in strategic procurement.
  • Preferred: 7-10 years of experience with 6 years in Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals at specialist/professional level in strategic procurement.
• Other Qualifications:
  • Preferred: International certifications (CIPS, CSCP, SCMA, ISM, or similar supply chain designations).
  • Experience with SAP (including SAP Ariba) and MS Office.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict management skills.

Working Relationships

• Internal: Head of Strategic Procurement, Category Specialists, all relevant departments
• External: Suppliers, vendors, contractors, service providers, consultants, and advisors