Sr. Category Specialist

R Sr. Category Specialist (Open)

Location:

Houston, TX (HO) - Support functions - Hub Corporate

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique perspectives of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders, and cultures across the world. We believe that a variety of backgrounds makes our team stronger and more innovative.

At Air Liquide we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity.

Air Liquide is hiring for a Sr. Category Specialist in Houston, TX.

We are looking for you!

Air Liquide offers a full benefits package designed to support your whole life, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance.

401(k) Retirement Plan with company match, Tuition Assistance, Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time.

Your benefits start on the first day of employment.

Responsible for the governance and operational performance of Suppliers, driving continuous improvement. Creates and deploys short and long-term category strategies. Manages spend, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiation and management, commercial negotiations, supplier relationship management support, demand planning, and customer interface. Assists in the development and deployment of Category Management strategies.

• Creates and implements category strategies and business plans to create sustainable value and Total Cost of Ownership Strategy Development:
• Guides and facilitates strategic sourcing events and nurtures the lifecycle of agreements and frame contracts Sourcing & Contracting:
• Builds alignment on commercial terms and legal conditions while integrating market insights to identify savings and ensure stability Negotiation:
• Fosters supplier growth and excellence through the development of meaningful indicators, periodic business reviews, and continuous improvement plans Supplier Governance:
• Stakeholder & Compliance:
  Partners with internal stakeholders on demand planning and supports alignment with all regulatory requirements and internal policies

• Candidates must have valid employment authorization in the U.S. and must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future. This position is not open for non-immigrant visa sponsorship.
• Experience Level: The Sr. Category Specialist requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience, whereas the Category Specialist requires only 2-3 years
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or other business related fields required
• Strategic Responsibility:
  The Sr. Specialist is expected to "create and deploy" short and long-term category strategies. In contrast, the Specialist primarily "assists" managers and team members in developing these strategies
• Supplier Governance:
  The Sr. Specialist has a specific mandate for the "governance and operational performance of Suppliers" and driving continuous improvement. The Specialist focuses more generally on proactive spend management and providing support
• Competency Proficiency:
  The Sr. Specialist requires higher-level behaviors within their key competencies, such as "Making Complex Plans" (Analytical Thinking) and "Using complex influence strategies" (Impact and Influence), indicating a need for greater autonomy and sophistication in execution.

• Prior industrial gas experience

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We care about and support our Airgas Families. This is evident not only through our competitive compensation but also through a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pre-tax commuter transportation benefit, parental leave, vacation, sick time, floating holidays, jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

Additionally, we offer our eligible employees a 401k plan with company matching funds, tuition reimbursement, discounted college tuition for eligible employees' dependents, and an Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children.

Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review their bargaining agreement to determine whether they are eligible for some or all of the benefits described here and to see any special terms or conditions for eligibility.

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At Airgas, we are committed to building a workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it…