Category Manager - Soft Services Procurement

About the role

The Category Manager is responsible for procuring materials and services through a strategic approach, selecting the right vendors while ensuring quality control and compliance with company policies. The role manages the purchasing team and covers sourcing, negotiation, supplier identification, new project mobilization, delivery and supplier management.

Key responsibilities

• Spend analysis and planning of LTPA/tender categories according to priorities and needs
• Identify and pre-qualify new suppliers, prepare tender documents with scope, technical and commercial evaluation, arrange sample approvals and e-auctions, and prepare supplier contracts
• Supervise the team, verify and approve purchase orders, ARF and transport indents in the portal, and assess supplier quotations
• Negotiate contracts, prices, payment and delivery terms and look for cost savings
• Mobilize new projects, track spending against budget and report progress to operations heads
• Evaluate supplier and subcontractor performance (cost, quality, competency, consistency) and prepare reports on PO spend, open POs, pending indents and savings
• Liaise with internal and external auditors on contracts and the procurement process
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and engage employees in decision-making
• Carry out market research, attend industry events and seminars, and continuously improve processes and reduce costs

Required profile

• Bachelor of Engineering degree
• 8 years of experience in soft services procurement
• Knowledge of sourcing and procurement techniques and market intelligence on sources and trends
• Experience collecting and analyzing data; highly organized and detail-oriented

Required skills

• Soft services procurement, strategic sourcing and category management
• Negotiation and market intelligence
• Procurement ERP system and vendor portal, cost-benefit and price analysis
• Analytical and critical thinking, strong interpersonal skills