Category Specialist (MRO)

Varel Energy Solutions•Houston, TX

About The Position

VES is looking for a Category Specialist (Raw Materials) to join our team in our Kingwood location. This person will work and be responsible for managing and optimizing the procurement of Raw Materials within Varel International. This role requires a strong understanding of the supply chain, vendor management, and cost-saving strategies, as well as the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to meet business goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or category management, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Experience in the oil & gas, mining, or manufacturing sectors.
Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office applications (SAP, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and build strong relationships.
Knowledge of industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory requirements related to the assigned categories.

Nice To Haves

Certification in procurement (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent).
Global procurement/supply chain experience specifically, U.S.A, India, Asia, and Middle East for MRO.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement category strategies that align with company goals and drive value across the supply chain.
Analyze market trends, supplier performance, and spending data to ensure category competitiveness and cost-efficiency.
Identify and onboard new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing ones.
Conduct sourcing activities for assigned categories, including RFPs, RFQs, and supplier negotiations.
Negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions, mitigating risks where possible.
Drive continuous improvement in the sourcing process and implement best practices.
Monitor supplier performance against key metrics such as quality, cost, delivery, and service.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, ensuring open lines of communication and a reliable supply chain.
Address any supply chain disruptions, quality issues, or service problems promptly and effectively.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement initiatives to reduce procurement expenses without sacrificing quality.
Track and report on savings achieved through strategic sourcing efforts and cost optimization initiatives.
Work closely with other departments, including operations, engineering, and finance, to understand business needs and align procurement strategies accordingly.
Serve as the category expert, advising internal stakeholders on market conditions, supplier capabilities, and category trends.
Ensure all procurement activities are compliant with company policies, procedures, and relevant legal regulations.
Assess and mitigate risks related to supplier performance, delivery, and quality issues.