Category Specialist

Job description

The Category Specialist role at the employer in Dammam, Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia focuses on implementing Supply Chain Management (SCM) strategies and processes to ensure material availability, delivery performance, and cost competitiveness in factories. The specialist leads procurement for defined material groups to achieve timely availability, cost savings, quality, and service level objectives. Implements and supports SCM practices including Strategic Sourcing, Risk Management, Supply Base Management and Quality. Designs and executes local sourcing plans to meet business targets and supports regional/global sourcing initiatives. Drives global SCM initiatives and monitors performance against global SCM KPIs. Identifies and selects suppliers and materials in line with sourcing strategies. Develops sourcing concepts such as supplier numbers, make-or-buy analyses, cost scenarios, and new materials. Coordinates and implements sourcing strategies to evaluate, audit, and monitor suppliers. Manages contracts, adapting corporate frameworks to local business needs. Supports bid teams with relevant market information. Plans and executes strategic sourcing for projects, new product development, and design-to-cost. Leverages Continuous Improvement Process Sourcing (CIPS) to enhance operational excellence and supplier performance. Manages Supplier Performance Evaluation results and cost targets for new developments. Oversees supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery, quality, and contractual compliance, resolving issues as needed. Collaborates with internal stakeholders such as engineering, planning, and fulfillment to ensure material availability. Ensures compliance with health, safety, environment, and business ethics standards in all activities

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a relevant field
• collaborative and solutions-oriented approach
• proven results orientation with strong implementation skills
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills including ability to influence and persuade
• ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• strong commitment to compliance and ethics
• flexibility to travel up to 15% of the time
• knowledge of SCM practices including strategic sourcing, risk management, and supplier base management

Skills