Category Procurement Manager
Job Title: Category Procurement Manager Start Date: ASAP End Date: 31/12/2026, with a possibility of extension Location: Antwerp Language Requirement: Fluent in English Work Schedule: Full-time, with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site presence required. More on-site presence may be required during onboarding. Possible international travel, though very limited.
Department Description and Responsibilities:
The Capex Procurement – Project & Category Procurement department is responsible for defining and deploying procurement strategies across the investment project portfolio. The team collaborates closely with Engineering, Project Management, and global suppliers to ensure optimized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), risk mitigation, and strategic sourcing excellence.
Project Description:
The Category Manager will support the development and execution of the category strategy across all Capex projects within the assigned portfolio. This includes large-scale engineering, construction, and equipment contracting programs in an international environment.
Primary Tasks and Responsibilities:
* Identify and analyze the full project pipeline within the assigned category and conduct risk & opportunity assessments.
* Perform internal analysis (spend, scope, incumbent suppliers/contractors) as key input for the category strategy.
* Build a strong understanding of the global and international market landscape; integrate market intelligence into category strategy.
* Collaborate closely with Engineering and category team members to identify standardization opportunities to reduce TCO and mitigate risks.
* Identify and evaluate low-cost-country sourcing opportunities in alignment with Engineering.
* Develop, present, and secure approval for the category strategy through relevant governance bodies.
* Define and track category milestone planning and ensure alignment with project procurement strategies.
* Optimize sourcing through advanced commercial and negotiation tactics.
* Cooperate closely with Project Procurement Managers (PPMs) to ensure the correct translation of the category strategy into individual project procurement activities.
* Lead source-to-contract processes for major contracts within the category, including negotiation and contract management.
* Act as Single Point of Contact for strategic suppliers/contractors and lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities.
* Proactively manage supply, financial, and operational risks.
* Conduct expediting, follow-up, and participate in claim management when required.
* Ensure compliance with procurement processes, templates, and standards.
* Support internal and external audits.
* Act as a change ambassador for procurement excellence and category transformation.
* Report category progress against a defined roadmap and milestone plan.
Technical Profile Requirements:
* University degree in Engineering, Economics, or equivalent.
* Minimum 5 years of experience as a category procurement manager in an international environment.
* Minimum 7 years of generic procurement experience.
* Strong understanding of Capex procurement, industrial contracting, and large-scale project environments.
* Excellent negotiation and contracting skills.
* Strong analytical capabilities, including spend analysis and market analysis.
* Advanced knowledge of MS Office and basic familiarity with procurement tools/platforms (e.g., Ariba, SAP).
* Ability to manage complex supplier networks and global markets.
Non-Technical Profile Requirements:
* Strong organizational and planning skills.
* Open-minded, diplomatic, and collaborative team player.
* Autonomous, proactive, and result-driven mindset.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to influence at multiple levels.
* Capable of working in an international matrix organization.
* Flexible and able to operate in dynamic and ambiguous environments.
* Strong problem-solving mindset.
* Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams without direct authority.
* Solid change-management mindset.
Methodology / Certification Requirements:
* Procurement certification (e.g., CIPS, CPM, CPSM) is a strong plus.
* Project management certification (Prince2, PMP) is a plus.
Language Proficiencies:
* Fluent written and spoken English (mandatory).
* Additional languages are an asset depending on project geography.
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