Global Category Management Lead

NOV•Houston, TX

About The Position

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and own global category strategies, playbooks, and supplier scorecards for assigned spend areas. Lead strategic sourcing events (strategic buys) and negotiations across markets and functions. Leverage spend analytics and forecasting to drive savings, improve supplier performance, and mitigate supply risk. Partner with business stakeholders to adapt global strategies into region-specific execution plans. Own and manage strategic supplier relationships aligned to category strategies. Establish and maintain the Supplier Segmentation and Performance Framework. Drive supplier performance management, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives. Act as the primary escalation point for category-related issues impacting markets or regions. Champion procurement governance and ensure alignment with global policies and standards. Provide strategic guidance and support to Strategic Sourcing Leads and regional procurement teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field required.
10–15+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain with global exposure.
Demonstrated experience leading global category strategies and supplier negotiations.
Proven track record delivering measurable cost savings and value creation initiatives.
Experience working in a matrixed, global organization.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams across regions and business units.
Strong executive presence and negotiation skills.
Advanced analytical and financial acumen to interpret spend data and build business cases.
Ability to manage complex supplier portfolios across multiple regions.
Willingness to travel globally as required.
Strategic Leadership: Develops long-term category strategies aligned with enterprise objectives and market dynamics.
Enterprise Collaboration: Builds alignment across business units, regions, and functions to execute global sourcing initiatives.
Influence & Negotiation: Effectively negotiates with senior supplier stakeholders and internal leaders to drive value.
Accountability: Takes ownership of category performance and delivers measurable results.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Drives innovation and best practices in supplier management and sourcing processes.
Category Management: Expertise in building and executing global category strategies across complex spend portfolios.
Strategic Sourcing: Advanced knowledge of sourcing methodologies, RFP execution, and contract negotiations.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Experience implementing supplier segmentation, performance scorecards, and governance frameworks.
Spend Analytics: Proficiency leveraging data insights to identify cost optimization and risk mitigation opportunities.
Working Capital Optimization: Knowledge of payment terms negotiation and lead-time strategies to improve cash flow and inventory performance.
Procurement Governance: Understanding compliance frameworks, contract management, and policy enforcement.

Responsibilities

Develop and own global category strategies, playbooks, and supplier scorecards for assigned spend areas.
Lead strategic sourcing events (strategic buys) and negotiations across markets and functions.
Leverage spend analytics and forecasting to drive savings, improve supplier performance, and mitigate supply risk.
Partner with business stakeholders to adapt global strategies into region-specific execution plans.
Own and manage strategic supplier relationships aligned to category strategies.
Establish and maintain the Supplier Segmentation and Performance Framework.
Drive supplier performance management, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Act as the primary escalation point for category-related issues impacting markets or regions.
Champion procurement governance and ensure alignment with global policies and standards.
Provide strategic guidance and support to Strategic Sourcing Leads and regional procurement teams.