CATEGORY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST- BCC

Gerdau • Midlothian, TX

4d

About The Position

The Category Management Specialist I supports and executes strategic procurement strategies for Best Cost Countries across global, national, and regional operations. The role coordinates strategic procurement processes and develops supply programs designed to reduce total cost of ownership across manufacturing operations. Responsibilities include sourcing strategy execution, competitive bidding, negotiations, supplier selection and development, and contract management. The position supports procurement across 11 steel mills and 99 downstream and recycling locations, partnering with operations and other stakeholders to identify sourcing opportunities, cost improvements, and supply-chain risks.

The specialist analyzes supplier markets, cost drivers, logistics, technology, competitiveness, and supply-chain risks; manages supplier and contract information in SAP; monitors supplier performance and KPIs; and contributes to inventory strategies and procurement process improvements. The role also prepares monthly commodity reports and presentations for Procurement leadership. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are integral to the work, including incorporating sustainability principles into sourcing and supplier management and promoting adherence to Gerdau’s Sustainability Policy and Code of Ethics for Third Parties. The position has no direct reports.

Requirements

• Four-year degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Up to 3 years of procurement experience, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of strategic sourcing and contemporary procurement practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers, internal customers, and multiple levels of management.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience or exposure to global sourcing.
• Experience with MS Excel and Databricks.

Nice To Haves

• SAP experience.
• Crystal Reports experience.
• Professional certification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute procurement strategies for assigned categories across global, national, and regional operations.
• Support procurement activities across 11 steel mills and 99 downstream and recycling locations.
• Analyze supplier markets, cost drivers, logistics, technology, competitiveness, and supply-chain risks.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand operational needs and identify sourcing and cost-optimization opportunities.
• Lead Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), competitive bidding, and supplier selection activities.
• Support negotiation strategies and participate in negotiations with global suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, pricing, lead times, Incoterms, and other key information in SAP.
• Monitor supplier performance and KPIs and work with suppliers and internal stakeholders on corrective actions and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Gather and analyze supplier and market intelligence to support sourcing decisions and reduce supply-chain risk.
• Partner with operations and procurement teams to identify opportunities to lower total cost of ownership.
• Support inventory strategies and procurement process improvements.
• Prepare monthly commodity reports and presentations for Procurement leadership.
• Incorporate sustainability, ethical sourcing, and responsible supplier practices into procurement activities.
• Promote adherence by suppliers and contractors to Gerdau’s Sustainability Policy and Code of Ethics for Third Parties.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans, eligible on the first day of hire.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 100% matching 401(k) up to 6%.
• Life and accidental life insurance.
• Health Advocate Services.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Career Path System and training.
• An empowering and open culture with opportunities to learn, grow, and build a career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level