Category Specialist Operational Services

Rio Tinto • Charlotte, NC

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Category Specialist Operational Services to support Operations in Bessemer City, North Carolina. In this role, you will provide end-to-end procurement support across sourcing, supplier management, category implementation and operational purchasing activities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong stakeholder relationships, influencing outcomes, and delivering practical procurement solutions while maintaining high standards of governance and compliance. This position is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees expected to be in the office three days per week. Frequent travel to our Bessemer City operations site will be required to support stakeholders, build operational partnerships, and deliver procurement initiatives.

Requirements

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Demonstrated capability in procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision making.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or industrial operations through procurement, purchasing, or supply chain activities.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, procurement, or a related discipline.
• Strong SAP experience, including purchase order creation, purchasing workflows, and maintaining Info Records.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, attention to detail, and experience analysing procurement data.

Nice To Haves

• Experience within chemicals, mining, metals, manufacturing, or other heavy industrial sectors.
• Experience leading continuous improvement or cost reduction initiatives.
• Exposure to category management and contract implementation activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead request for proposal (RFP) processes and sourcing activities for manufacturing operations.
• Identify and deliver value opportunities across multiple spend categories through strategic sourcing and supplier engagement.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews and ongoing contract support.
• Partner with operational stakeholders to understand requirements, forecast demand, and implement category strategies.
• Provide procurement analytics, reporting, and insights to identify cost optimisation opportunities and monitor purchase price variances.
• Maintain pricing information and purchasing data within SAP, including Info Records and purchase order processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance procurement efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Provide cross-site procurement support and contribute to a strong safety, environmental, and operational culture.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family.
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges.

What This Job Offers

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