Category Specialist

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) process. Collaborate with end users and suppliers to identify cost saving initiatives or levers for category procurement. Handle high-value purchase orders not under framework agreement.

• Develop technical and commercial expertise in procurement category, define clear category spend and preferred supplier policies and implement category strategy ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Update taxonomy and service masters (i.e., including new items, clarify end users doubts regarding taxonomy / masters’ usage).
• Handle discrepancies in contracts’ terms and conditions (if relevant, coordinate with Senior Category Specialist).
• Maintain taxonomy and service primaries (i.e., including new items, clarify end users doubts regarding taxonomy / masters’ usage).
• Support monitoring and reporting of KPIs and generation of improvement actions.

• Continuously analyze and evaluate internal factors (technical and services requirements) and external factors (supply market dynamics) to derive inputs for category management.
• Assist in the development of short-, mid-, and long-term demand forecasts for relevant products and services in close cooperation with Maintenance, Finance, and Strategic Procurement teams.
• Contribute to long-term forecasts and predictions by providing market insights (e.g., market trends and cost information).
• Provide in-depth category knowledge while assisting in the development of category strategies and category plans in close alignment with stakeholders based on supply and demand power in respective categories supported by the Head of Strategic Procurement.
• Recommend the right levers for each sub-category to extract maximum value from the procurement spend, also covering non-commercial levers like specification improvement and partnerships.
• Execute category strategies of managed L3 categories as per category annual plan (incl. development of framework agreements, re-negotiation of contract prices, study of initiatives, etc.).
• Conduct category risk management, identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans with support from head of category management.
• Contribute to achieving the critical success factors and KPIs in the long- term supply agreements, as well as support development of Category Management Objectives.

• Conduct sourcing projects (incl. preparation and review of consistent RFP’s, pricing, and terms, drafting and management of contracts, management of supplier relationships, etc.). Engage stakeholders and required cross-functional resources.
• Develop supplier portfolios for strategic sourcing initiatives based on supply market research and detailed supplier profiling that match Q Chem requirements and goals.
• Monitor supply markets and agreements to ensure sustainable capture of benefits from strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Manage tenders and other souring initiatives ensuring compliance with all procedures, policies and legal requirements.
• Conduct supplier selection process in close cooperation with all involved stakeholders according to policies and procedures.
• Develop contracts and contract templates for L4 categories with support from legal department or legal consulting firms.
• Develop negotiation strategies and conduct contract negotiations in line with policies and procedures.
• Integrate new suppliers in operations and manage transition of supplier.
• Monitor supply markets and agreements to ensure sustainable capture of benefits from strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Provide visibility on strategic sourcing progress to end users.

• Define base requirements and supplier qualification criteria.
• Draft Supplier Relationship Management plans for all suppliers.
• Conduct supplier relationship management following guidelines provided by the head of strategic procurement.
• Develop strategic…