Procurement Specialist - Chemical/Oil & Gas/Energy/Petrochemicals

Job Title: Procurement Specialist / Category Manager (Direct & Indirect)

Industry: Chemical | Oil & Gas | Energy | Petrochemicals

Role Summary:

Responsible for managing procurement activities with a primary focus on direct procurement (80%) of raw materials, process chemicals, equipment, and production-related services, along with indirect procurement (20%) for categories like MRO, Capex, Opex, IT, logistics, and facility management. The role aims to ensure cost-effective sourcing, secure supply continuity, maintain supplier quality standards, and support plant operations in highly regulated, process-driven industries.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for direct categories including raw materials, chemicals, catalysts, spare parts, and plant equipment.

- Manage indirect spend categories such as MRO, Capex, Opex, logistics, IT, and facility services.

- Conduct supplier identification, evaluation, negotiation, and contract finalization to ensure best value.

- Monitor commodity markets and develop strategies to mitigate price and supply risks.

- Ensure adherence to HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) and quality standards.

- Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and finance teams to align procurement activities with operational and strategic goals.

- Lead cost optimization, vendor consolidation, and process improvement initiatives.

- Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and drive corrective actions when required.

- Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP/e-procurement systems.

Qualifications & Skills:

- Bachelors degree in engineering, Supply Chain, or related field (MBA preferred).

- 512 years of experience in direct & indirect procurement within chemical, oil & gas, or energy industries.

- Strong knowledge of raw material sourcing, vendor qualification, and category management.

- Expertise in negotiation, vendor relationship management, and market analysis.

- Hands-on experience with ERP/e-procurement platforms (SAP, Oracle, etc.).

- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.