Category Buyer

Job Title: Category Buyer
Location: Calgary, AB
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Length: 1 year
Description:
Our O&G Client is seeking  a Category buyer in our Calgary office.   Reporting to the Lead, Category Management, this role provides opportunities to learn and work in a positive, innovative, and agile environment while being mentored by a great team.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Category Buyer to join our team. As a Category Buyer, you will be responsible for managing and optimizing the procurement of materials and services within specified categories to ensure timely availability at competitive prices. You will also conduct market research, negotiate contracts with suppliers, and maintain strong supplier relationships. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast demand, monitor inventory levels, and drive cost savings initiatives. You bring your strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities, and a deep understanding of the materials procurement process to help achieve optimal results.
Your responsibilities will include:
 

• Operational Procurement:
  • Determining and advising the optimal procurement execution channel for all materials and services purchases.
  • Ensuring timely and accurate execution of Purchase Requests within Maximo for assigned categories.
• Category Management:
  • Collaborating with our Category Advisors to develop a material sourcing plan based on quarterly demand forecasts for assigned categories.
  • Incorporating local/regional market dynamics into plans, conducting thorough spend analysis, and completing strategic commercial initiatives.
• Inventory Planning:
  • Collaborate with the inventory controller to strategically analyze demand patterns, supplier lead times, and demand forecasts.
  • Optimize inventory levels and minimize stock-outs.
  • Work closely with suppliers to manage order quantities, delivery schedules, and safety stock requirements, ensuring efficient inventory management and alignment with customer demands.
• Optimization:
  • Assess cost-saving opportunities, including bulk purchasing, vendor-managed inventory strategies, and alternative sourcing, while maintaining quality standards.
• Relationship Management:
  • Develop, implement, and sustain key supplier relationships.
  • Manage supplier performance, foster strong connections, and ensure timely delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness of key commodities throughout contract lifecycles.
• Contract Management:
  • Plan and execute sourcing events, such as RFPs and market tests.
  • Utilize analytical insights and market intelligence to identify potential suppliers, evaluate proposals, negotiate contracts, and drive competitive pricing and quality outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Solid understanding of leading supply chain techniques (including but not limited to total cost ownership principles, procurement processes in a manufacturing environment, and supplier qualification methodology).
• Strong understanding of specific Category/Subcategory assigned
• Strong negotiation skills, both contractual and commercial
• Demonstrated experience with multiple sourcing methodologies (RFX, etc.).
• Understanding of strategic sourcing principles and P2P processes along with the ability to apply this knowledge to execute projects and optimize strategies.
• Ability to build good rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective communications at all levels of management both internally and externally.
• Excellent influencing and engagement skills with the ability to energize others at all levels of the organization.
• Experience in collaborating with multiple stakeholders to drive common solutions.
• 6+ years of progressive operational procurement and supply chain experience
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask while prioritizing workload.
• Excellent facilitation and project management skills
• Maximo Purchasing experience considered an asset
• Capital Projects experience (>$5MM)
• Knowledge of internal and external procurement – need EPC and Owner experience
• Construction experience preferred
• Maximo experience preferred

Send your resume to jenna.bunnin@nesfircroft.com to apply!

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.