The Senior Category Buyer is responsible for strategically sourcing and managing energy (electricity and natural gas), thread protectors, and other assigned strategic categories for Vallourec North America facilities. The role supports immediate operational requirements while driving long-term value through category strategy development, supplier relationship management, risk mitigation, market intelligence, and total cost of ownership initiatives.
Your Role at a GlanceCategory Strategy & Sourcing- Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies for Electricity, Natural Gas, Thread Protectors, and other assigned strategic categories
- Identify and execute cost reduction, value creation, process improvement, and supply chain optimization initiatives
- Lead competitive sourcing events, RFIs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and supplier selection activities
- Evaluate sourcing opportunities considering total cost of ownership, market conditions, operational requirements, and long-term business objectives
- Support the integration and strategic management of additional categories assigned by management
Energy Procurement & Risk Management - Develop and execute energy procurement strategies for electricity and natural gas
- Monitor energy markets, price trends, regulatory developments, and supply-demand fundamentals
- Analyze fixed-price, index-based, and risk-management alternatives
- Lead the evaluation, development, and execution of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) opportunities and other energy transition initiatives across Vallourec North America operations
- Conduct market assessments, financial analysis, risk evaluations, and business case development to identify renewable energy solutions that support both economic and environmental objectives
- Coordinate cross-functional feasibility studies involving Operations, Finance, Sustainability, Legal, and external stakeholders to assess technical, commercial, regulatory, and contractual impacts
- Develop implementation strategies and manage project execution activities from opportunity identification through contract negotiation, approval, and operational deployment
- Monitor performance and value realization of PPA and sustainability projects, ensuring alignment with corporate emissions reduction goals, energy cost optimization targets, and long-term business strategy
Supplier Relationship Management - Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers
- Conduct supplier performance reviews
- Lead supplier development initiatives and mitigate supplier risks
Contract Management- Negotiate commercial agreements and contract terms
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and procurement policies
- Manage renewals, amendments, and commercial negotiations
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Legal stakeholders
- Provide procurement expertise and market insights
Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement - Monitor market trends, supplier developments, technological advancements, and regulatory changes
- Develop category dashboards and performance metrics
- Benchmark suppliers and industry practices
What Sets You ApartWe're looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field; in lieu of a degree,10 or more years of relevant experience is acceptable
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain roles
- 3+ years of experience sourcing energy, industrial consumables, thread protectors, technical materials, industrial services, or other strategic categories is preferred
- Working knowledge of electricity and natural-gas procurement concepts, utility/supplier billing structures, and commodity-market risk is strongly preferred
- Ability to understand technically specified products and evaluate supplier performance using total cost and productivity metrics, particularly for Thread Protectors and Strategic commodities
- Strong analytical capability with energy pricing, indexation, tariffs, consumption data, budgeting, and commercial scenario modeling
- Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance management
- Experience sourcing energy (electricity and/or natural gas), industrial consumables, tooling, thread protectors, or technically specified materials is preferred
- Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a matrix organization
- Demonstrated leadership, ownership mindset, and ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority
- Commitment to compliance, ethical sourcing practices, and continuous improvement
What Powers Your PerformanceSuccess in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who possess:
- Strong analytical, negotiation, financial, and contract management skills
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Energy Procurement & Risk Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management
- Market Analysis & Forecasting
- Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
How We Support Your SuccessWe're committed to helping you thrive on the job and beyond. That's why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
- Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
- 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Holidays: 10 days plus 1 floating holiday
- Paid Vacation Time
- Performance-Based Bonus Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
Safety isn't negotiable, it's who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it's a promise we make to every colleague, every day.
