Category Management Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Startec Compression & Process is currently recruiting for a Category Management Specialist to work at our Glenmore Office (Suite 240, 4000 Glenmore Court SE, Calgary, AB T2C 5R8). The Category Management Specialist is accountable for the end-to-end ownership of assigned procurement categories, including category strategy development, supplier portfolio management, and value delivery across cost, risk, performance, and continuity of supply.

Working within Startec’s fabrication and project-based operating environment, the role leads category development and strategic sourcing initiatives that support supply reliability, supplier performance, and long-term business value across materials, equipment, and services.

The Category Management Specialist analyzes spend and market data, develops and executes category strategies, and collaborates closely with Engineering, Projects, Operations, and Finance to improve procurement effectiveness and mitigate supply risk. Category assignments are rotational every 2–3 years to build enterprise capability, support knowledge transfer, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)

INITIAL CATEGORY ASSIGNMENTPipe, Flanges & Fittings (PFF) / Structural Steel The Category Management Specialist will have initial ownership of the Pipe, Flanges & Fittings and Structural Steel categories, with accountability for:

Developing and executing category strategies aligned with Startec’s fabrication, project, and operational requirements.

Managing the approved and preferred supplier base within the category, including supplier selection, performance management, and risk mitigation.

Partnering with Engineering, Projects and Operations to support material specifications, sourcing strategies, and long-lead planning.

Identifying cost optimization, standardization, and consolidation opportunities across materials and suppliers.

Monitoring market conditions, supply risks, and capacity constraints impacting category performance.

Ensuring category strategies, supplier insights, and lessons learned are documented to support future category rotation.

Future category assignments may include additional material, equipment, or services categories based on business needs.

CATEGORY STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & EXECUTION
Category Strategy & Planning

Develop, own, and maintain category strategies aligned with Startec’s business objectives, operational requirements, and supply market conditions.

Analyze market dynamics, supply chain risks, and cost drivers to identify sourcing opportunities, strategic advantages, and areas of exposure within the category.

Support make-versus-buy decisions and apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to guide category and sourcing decisions.

Strategy Execution & Implementation

Translate category strategies into practical and executable sourcing approaches, supplier agreements, and action plans.

Monitor category performance against defined objectives and adjust strategies based on business needs, market changes, and performance outcomes.

Ensure category strategies are clearly communicated, understood, and applied across relevant business functions.

Responsible for creation and management of purchase orders to closure.

STRATEGIC SOURCING & SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Strategic Sourcing Execution

Lead competitive sourcing activities in support of approved category strategies, including RFQs/RFPs, bid evaluations, and commercial negotiations.

Develop and execute sourcing and go-to-market approaches aligned with category needs, market conditions, and business requirements.

Establish, manage, and optimize an approved and preferred supplier base within assigned categories to balance cost, performance, and continuity of supply.

Support contract development, negotiation, and implementation to ensure commercial alignment and executable outcomes.

Supplier Performance & Collaboration

Own supplier performance management within assigned categories, including the definition, tracking, and review of performance metrics (cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and risk).

Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that support reliability of supply,…