Category Lead

Job Title:

Function:

Job Objective:

Lead procurement and sourcing strategies for assigned categories, ensuring cost-effective, timely, and quality procurement aligned with business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Core Procurement

• Develop and implement category-wise sourcing strategies.
• Conduct demand forecasting and procurement planning.
• Manage end-to-end strategic sourcing including vendor evaluation, RFP/RFI, negotiations, and contract finalization.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and governance protocols.

Supplier Management

• Identify, onboard, and evaluate suppliers.
• Drive vendor performance reviews and strategic partnerships.
• Maintain vendor databases and performance scorecards.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Lead contract preparation, rate contracts, and order placements.
• Manage post-order activities including billing, amendments, and logistics.
• Support M&A due diligence and new business opportunities.

Data & Risk Management

• Analyze procurement data for insights and efficiency improvements.
• Identify and mitigate procurement risks.

People Management

• Set goals, develop team capabilities, and foster a high-performance culture.

Key Requirements:

• Education:

  Bachelor’s in Engineering; Master’s in Business/Supply Chain preferred.

• Experience:

  12+ years in procurement/supply chain; 3+ years in category management.

• Technical Skills:

  Strategic sourcing, contract management, SAP/Ariba, cost estimation, vendor management.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Orientation, Stakeholder Partnering, Outcome Orientation, Innovation, Teamwork, Employee Development.