Procurement Category Specialist
Location: Houston, TX 77042
Pay Rate: $31.00 - $40.50/hour
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Schedule: Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Work Arrangement: Fully onsite during first 30-60 days; potential hybrid schedule based on performance
About the Opportunity
A leading energy industry organization is seeking a Procurement Category Specialist to join its Corporate Procurement team in Houston. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, supporting procurement projects, and driving cost-saving opportunities across the organization.
The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated procurement professional with experience in strategic sourcing, MRO procurement, contract negotiations, RFQ/RFP execution, and ERP procurement systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement procurement and sourcing strategies for assigned categories
- Conduct market research, supplier analysis, and spend analysis to identify savings opportunities
- Prepare, issue, and manage RFQs and RFPs
- Lead supplier evaluations and contract negotiations
- Negotiate pricing, discounts, commercial terms, and supplier agreements
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand procurement requirements and business needs
- Track procurement performance metrics and sourcing results
- Support complex sourcing projects from initiation through implementation
- Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field preferred
- Minimum 3 years of procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience
- Experience developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategies
- Experience with MRO sourcing and procurement activities
- Experience conducting RFQs and RFPs
- Strong contract negotiation experience
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Experience with Oracle (Cloud or EBS), JD Edwards, or Glovia
Preferred Experience
- Oil & Gas, Energy, Manufacturing, or Industrial procurement experience
- Supplier performance management
- Spend analysis and category management
- Procurement reporting and KPI tracking
- Complex project management experience
Hiring Process
- 1st Interview: Virtual
- 2nd Interview: Onsite
Why Apply?
- Competitive pay rate
- Contract-to-hire opportunity
- Potential hybrid schedule after training period
- Opportunity to work with a respected industry leader
- Exposure to strategic sourcing and enterprise procurement initiatives
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is best suited for procurement professionals with experience in strategic sourcing, MRO procurement, supplier negotiations, RFQs/RFPs, and ERP systems who enjoy working cross-functionally to drive cost savings and operational improvements. Candidates with Oracle, JD Edwards, or oil & gas procurement experience are especially encouraged to apply.