PSCM Category Lead

Category Lead - Contracts & Procurement 📍 Basra, Iraq (28/28 Rotation)
📈 Competitive Package + International Opportunity

Drive Procurement Excellence in a Major Energy Operation We are seeking an experienced Category Lead to join a high-performing Procurement & Supply Chain Management team in Basra, Iraq.

This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional with proven expertise in strategic sourcing, contracting, supplier management and commercial negotiations to play a key role in delivering safe, compliant, reliable and cost-effective supply chain solutions across a complex operating environment.

Reporting to the Category Delivery Manager, the successful candidate will lead category management and contracting activities that support operational delivery, production targets and long-term value creation while contributing to the development of local procurement capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business demand and operational requirements.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing and contracting activities, including market analysis, RFP development, supplier evaluation, negotiations, contract award and implementation.
• Obtain required governance approvals and ensure contracts comply with company policies, regulatory requirements and procurement standards.
• Collaborate with operational stakeholders to monitor contractor performance and resolve commercial or contractual issues.
• Drive supplier performance, productivity and value creation through collaboration, standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support contract management activities including cost control, risk analysis and performance monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, local content obligations and applicable contractual frameworks.
• Coach and develop local colleagues, helping to build long-term procurement and supply chain capability within the organisation.
• Deliver innovative and pragmatic solutions to complex commercial and supply chain challenges.

What We're Looking For Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in Contracts & Procurement, including:
  • Category Management
  • Strategic Sourcing
  • Contract Development & Negotiation
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Contract Management
• Demonstrated success in developing sourcing strategies and managing procurement activities across multiple categories.
• Strong understanding of complex technical and service-based procurement categories.
• Proven experience managing supplier performance and commercial risk.
• Experience working within regulated environments requiring governance approvals and compliance oversight.
• Strong analytical capability, including the development of commercial evaluation models.
• Experience working with procurement and P2P systems such as:
  • SAP
  • Maximo
  • Ariba OneSource

Desired Experience

• Oil & Gas industry experience.
• Experience managing regional service contracts and demand planning.
• Familiarity with PSA, TSC or concessionaire approval processes.
• Experience working in multicultural and international environments.

Key Competencies ✅ Strategic Thinking

✅ Commercial Acumen

✅ Contract Negotiation

✅ Stakeholder Management

✅ Supplier Performance Management

✅ Risk Management

✅ Continuous Improvement Mindset

✅ Strong Communication & Relationship Building Skills

✅ Ability to Work Under Pressure and Manage Ambiguity

✅ Adaptability and Growth Mindset

Qualifications

• University Degree in:
  • Procurement
  • Engineering
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business
  • Or a related technical/business discipline

Why Apply? This role offers the opportunity to:

• Influence high-value procurement and contracting decisions.
• Deliver measurable business value through strategic sourcing and contract management.
• Work within a large-scale, complex operational environment.
• Develop and mentor procurement professionals.
• Gain exposure to challenging international supply chain and commercial activities.
• Play a key role in driving operational success through procurement excellence.

If you are a commercially focused procurement professional with a passion for strategic sourcing, contract management and delivering value through supplier partnerships, we would like to hear from you.

Apply today to take the next step in your procurement career





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.