Category Management Specialist

Category Management Specialist

Support category strategies for industrial valves and instrumentation that optimize total cost, strengthen supplier performance, and protect project schedules.

Who you are

You combine procurement expertise with practical knowledge of industrial valves and instrumentation. At Startec Thermal and Process, you will own assigned categories from market and spend intelligence through sourcing strategy, supplier selection, commercial negotiation, and performance management. You can interpret technical requirements, identify commercially and technically viable suppliers, and make informed sourcing recommendations.

Working closely with Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Quality, and Finance in a fabrication and project-based environment, you will align supplier capabilities, specifications, approved manufacturers, material availability, and delivery commitments with project needs. You understand when technical deviations or substitutions require Engineering and client approval.

You take ownership, communicate risks early, and engage stakeholders before implementing sourcing changes. As one of our Everyday Mavericks, you will bring a collaborative and data-driven approach. Category assignments may rotate every 2–3 years to broaden enterprise capability and strengthen supply chain resilience.

What you bring

Required credentials and technical experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant industrial procurement experience may be considered.
• 5–7 years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management experience, including meaningful direct experience sourcing industrial valves and/or instrumentation.
• Demonstrated technical familiarity with industrial valves (e.g., actuated valves, manual valves etc.) and instrumentation (e.g., flow meters, transmitters, gauges, and instrument fittings).
• Experience developing category strategies, conducting competitive RFQs, performing technical/commercial bid evaluations with Engineering, negotiating supplier agreements, and tracking measurable KPIs.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, excel, and procurement reporting tools.

Analytical, commercial, and collaboration skills

• Strong analytical and commercial skills in spend analysis, supplier segmentation, total cost of ownership, market assessment, and supplier performance measurement.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence teams across functions.

Assets: Experience in oil and gas manufacturing, industrial fabrication, or EPC projects; familiarity with ASME/API/CSA requirements, CRN documentation, MTRs, and NACE requirements; experience with Microsoft NAVISION and/or D365; SCMP, CIPS, or CPSM designation.

Why Startec Thermal and Process

Founded in 1976, Startec is one of the most trusted names in fit-for-purpose thermal and process solutions. With a team of over 300, we offer full asset lifecycle services, including: upfront system engineering and design, equipment fabrication, maintenance, repair and optimization to organizations across North America.

We serve as specialist partners expanding the expertise and capacity of industrial operators, new project development teams, engineering firms, and equipment manufacturers.

Sectors of focus include oil & gas, renewable energy, mining, industrial gases, petrochemicals, data centers, food and beverage, cold storage, and recreational ice facilities.

What you’ll be responsible for

Spend Analysis & Cost Optimization

Spend & Market Analytics

• Analyze category spend, demand patterns, and cost drivers to identify trends, consolidation opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Use procurement and ERP data to support category strategy development and sourcing decisions.
• Maintain appropriate category-level metrics and insights to monitor performance and inform stakeholders.

Cost Optimization & Value Delivery

• Develop and implement category plans to improve total cost, availability, quality, and service.
• Lead RFQs and commercial evaluations, negotiate pricing and terms, and pursue opportunities in demand aggregation, standardization, alternate-source qualification, and framework agreements.
• Support cost savings and value delivery objectives, including tracking and communicating realized benefits.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Internal Collaboration

• Partner closely with Engineering, Projects, Operations, and Finance to align category strategies with project execution, fabrication requirements, and operational needs.
• Apply working knowledge of industrial valves and instrumentation when reviewing specifications and data sheets, assessing suppliers, and translating technical requirements into sourcing decisions.
• Provide commercial, market, and supplier insights to support project planning, budgeting, and supplier selection decisions.
• Support material forecasting and long-lead planning to mitigate supply risk and support on-time project delivery.

Communication & Change Management

• Present category recommendations and supplier performance findings in a clear, actionable format.
• Engage Engineering, Operations, Projects, and other affected teams before introducing supplier or product changes.
• Act as a point of coordination between internal teams and suppliers to ensure alignment and minimize disruption during sourcing or supplier transitions.

Governance, Risk Management & Compliance

Policy, Process & Commercial Governance

• Follow Startec procurement policies, ethical standards, approval requirements, and commercial governance.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation supporting supplier evaluations, sourcing decisions, and contractual commitments.
• Apply consistent and transparent decision-making practices to support auditability and internal alignment.

Supply Risk Mitigation

• Identify, assess, and manage category-level supply risks, including sole-sourcing exposure, capacity constraints, market volatility, and external risk factors.
• Develop and maintain practical contingency and alternate sourcing strategies to support continuity of supply and project execution.
• Monitor supplier risk indicators and work proactively with internal stakeholders and suppliers to mitigate potential disruptions.

Valve & Instrumentation Category Expertise

• Maintain current understanding of valve types, body/trim materials, pressure and temperature ratings, actuation, sealing arrangements, and instrumentation measurement technologies.
• Recognize key specification and certification requirements, while referring technical acceptance decisions to Engineering and Quality.
• Assess manufacturer and distributor capabilities, quality, competitive pricing, responsiveness, and after-sales support.

Ready to apply?

All applicants must complete the TRAITS Behavioural Assessment when submitting their application.

Complete the TRAITS Assessment