Senior Procurement Category Specialist - Steel Fabrication

Senior Procurement Category Specialist

The Senior Procurement Category Specialist will develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories, focusing on achieving best cost, improving efficiencies, and driving savings across the organization.

• Assist in developing category strategy to achieve financial value‑add and improve Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through detailed analysis of the category portfolio.
• Address key operating priorities such as performance management, safety, and compliance.
• Assess work streams and activities for consolidation opportunities and evaluate current and future business processes for best work practice and technological fit.
• Monitor global supply market trends, including pricing, commodity, supplier capacity, and industry developments.
• Pursue Category Management strategy to maintain competitive advantage and position MPS as a market leader.
• Develop and implement metrics to monitor areas of responsibility, identify gaps, and execute remedial action plans.
• Challenge existing procurement, estimating, and cost‑tracking practices to improve results.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to resolve complex issues and execute organizational readiness change management strategies.
• Build extensive internal and external networks of contacts.
• Ensure category strategies evolve to meet changing market conditions.
• Assist in negotiating master agreements and other key supplier contracts.
• Perform cost analysis and set appropriate benchmarks/KPIs for suppliers and commodities against MPS projects and divisions.

• 5‑7 years of experience in procurement, contract management, project management, or a related role.
• Expertise in procurement, estimating, business analysis, and leadership.
• Demonstrated experience developing procurement category strategies.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts with vendors.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience creating project management plans (charter, scope, cost estimates, schedule, milestones, risk management).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self‑motivated, driven to succeed, with a process‑oriented mindset.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Management, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent education, training, and experience).
• Preferred:
  Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM).

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Annual bonus program based on performance and profitability.
• 17 paid time off (PTO) days per year + 10 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Term life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and voluntary life insurance.
• Disability income protection insurance.
• Pre‑tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care).
• Charitable giving match through the MPS foundation.

MPS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, age (over 40), or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.