Category Management Specialist

Category Management Specialist

Build category strategies that optimize cost, improve supplier performance, and protect supply.

LOCATION

Suite 240, 4000 Glenmore Court SE
Calgary, AB T2C 5R8

REPORTS TO

Procurement Lead

TEAM

Supply Chain

BUSINESS

Design-Build
What you bring
Required credentials and technical experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in procurement, category management, or related supply chain roles.
• Working knowledge of industrial valves and instrumentation, including interpreting specifications and data sheets and assessing supplier capabilities and quotations.
• Experience developing and executing category or sourcing strategies that deliver measurable business value.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and procurement tools.

Analytical, commercial, and collaboration skills

• Strong analytical and commercial skills, with experience in spend analysis, cost modelling, and market assessment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence teams across functions.

Assets: Manufacturing, fabrication, EPC, or industrial experience; Microsoft NAVISION and/or D365 experience; and professional supply chain or procurement certification, such as SCMP, CIPS, or CPSM.
What you'll be responsible for
Spend Analysis & Cost Optimization
Spend & Market Analytics

Analyse category spend, demand patterns, and cost drivers to identify trends, consolidation opportunities, and areas for improvement. Use procurement and ERP data to develop category strategies and support sourcing decisions. Maintain category metrics and insights to monitor supplier and category performance and inform stakeholders.
Cost Optimization & Value Delivery

Identify and execute cost optimization opportunities through standardization, process improvement, and supplier rationalization, aligned with category strategies. Support cost savings and value delivery objectives by tracking and communicating realized benefits. Apply cost modelling, should-cost concepts, and market benchmarking, as appropriate, to support commercial decisions and negotiations.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Internal Collaboration

Partner with Engineering, Projects, Operations, and Finance to align category strategies with project execution, fabrication requirements, and operational needs. Apply your knowledge of industrial valves and instrumentation when reviewing specifications and data sheets, assessing suppliers, and translating technical requirements into sourcing decisions.

Provide commercial, market, and supplier insights to support project planning, budgeting, and supplier selection. Support material forecasting and long-lead planning to mitigate supply risk and help projects stay on schedule.
Communication & Change Management

Communicate category strategies, sourcing initiatives, and supplier changes clearly to affected stakeholders. Support the adoption of standardized procurement and sourcing practices by engaging stakeholders early and addressing business needs and constraints. Coordinate internal teams and suppliers to maintain alignment and minimize disruption during sourcing or supplier transitions.
Governance, Risk Management & Compliance
Policy, Process & Commercial Governance

Ensure category strategies and sourcing activities align with Startec's procurement policies, ethical standards, and commercial governance requirements. Maintain clear, accurate documentation for supplier evaluations, sourcing decisions, and contractual commitments. Apply consistent, transparent decision-making practices to support auditability and internal alignment.
Supply Risk Mitigation

Identify, assess, and manage category-level supply risks, including sole-sourcing exposure, capacity constraints, market volatility, and external risk factors. Develop and maintain practical contingency and alternate sourcing strategies to support supply continuity and project execution. Monitor supplier risk indicators and work proactively with internal stakeholders and suppliers to mitigate potential disruptions.
Ready to apply?

All applicants must complete the TRAITS Behavioural Assessment when submitting their application.

Complete the TRAITS Assessment

We offer competitive wages, training, flexible, dynamic, and exciting work environment.

We thank you for your application and interest in our organization. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.