Category Manager

Roles And Responsibilities Develop, implement, and maintain regional category strategies aligned with business objectives and global procurement direction. Analyze category spend, supplier markets, cost structures, demand patterns, and opportunities for consolidation. Identify opportunities for cost optimization, standardization, specification harmonization, and economies of scale. Establish and maintain category-specific supplier strategies, including supplier segmentation, preferred supplier networks, and alternative sourcing options. Monitor market developments, emerging technologies, supply market risks, and industry trends relevant to marine operations. B. Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Negotiations Lead complex sourcing activities, including RFQ, tender evaluations, and supplier selection. Develop negotiation strategies considering total cost of ownership, technical requirements, commercial risks, and long-term business value. Negotiate commercial agreements covering pricing, payment terms, warranties, liability, delivery conditions, service levels, and contractual protections. Challenge supplier proposals, cost structures, and commercial assumptions to secure competitive and sustainable outcomes. Develop regional framework agreements and long-term supplier partnerships where commercially justified. Ensure sourcing decisions follow procurement governance, delegation of authority, and applicable compliance requirements. C. Supplier Relationship & Performance Management Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships across assigned categories. Implement supplier performance management frameworks with measurable KPIs and regular business reviews. Monitor supplier performance in areas such as delivery reliability, service quality, responsiveness, cost competitiveness, and contractual compliance. Lead commercial escalations and negotiations related to supplier underperformance, disputes, claims, and contractual deviations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives with strategic suppliers. Identify opportunities for supplier innovation, joint efficiency initiatives, and long-term value creation. Develop contingency strategies for critical suppliers and services. D. Operational & Technical Business Partnership Partner closely with Technical and Operations teams to understand vessel maintenance requirements, fleet operating plans, dry docking schedules, and investment priorities. Translate operational requirements into effective procurement and sourcing plans. Challenge requirements constructively to identify cost-effective alternatives without compromising safety, quality, or operational reliability. Facilitate demand planning and improve visibility of upcoming procurement requirements. Ensure appropriate commercial arrangements are established to support timely delivery of critical goods and services. Support operational teams in resolving complex supplier-related commercial issues. E. Financial Performance & Value Creation Develop and deliver measurable procurement value through negotiated savings, cost avoidance, demand optimization, and improved commercial conditions. Establish and maintain reliable financial baselines for procurement initiatives. Contribute to budget planning and forecasting by providing category market intelligence and cost projections. Ensure transparency and accuracy in procurement performance reporting. F. Risk Management, Compliance & Contract Governance Identify and mitigate supplier, contractual, commercial, geopolitical, and supply continuity risks. Ensure procurement agreements contain appropriate provisions covering liability, warranties, insurance, performance obligations, and dispute resolution. Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Marine Standards, and other relevant functions to ensure compliance with internal policies and applicable regulations. Monitor contractual commitments, expiration dates, renewal requirements, and supplier obligations. Support the resolution of contractual dispute…

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