Senior Category Buyer - Energy & Strategic Categories

Make an Impact With Us At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The Senior Category Buyer is responsible for strategically sourcing and managing energy (electricity and natural gas), thread protectors, and other assigned strategic categories for Vallourec North America facilities. The role supports immediate operational requirements while driving long-term value through category strategy development, supplier relationship management, risk mitigation, market intelligence, and total cost of ownership initiatives. Your Role at a Glance Category Strategy & Sourcing Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies for Electricity, Natural Gas, Thread Protectors, and other assigned strategic categoriesIdentify and execute cost reduction, value creation, process improvement, and supply chain optimization initiatives Lead competitive sourcing events, RFIs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and supplier selection activitiesEvaluate sourcing opportunities considering total cost of ownership, market conditions, operational requirements, and long-term business objectives Support the integration and strategic management of additional categories assigned by management Energy Procurement & Risk Management Develop and execute energy procurement strategies for electricity and natural gasMonitor energy markets, price trends, regulatory developments, and supply-demand fundamentalsAnalyze fixed-price, index-based, and risk-management alternativesLead the evaluation, development, and execution of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) opportunities and other energy transition initiatives across Vallourec North America operationsConduct market assessments, financial analysis, risk evaluations, and business case development to identify renewable energy solutions that support both economic and environmental objectivesCoordinate cross-functional feasibility studies involving Operations, Finance, Sustainability, Legal, and external stakeholders to assess technical, commercial, regulatory, and contractual impactsDevelop implementation strategies and manage project execution activities from opportunity identification through contract negotiation, approval, and operational deploymentMonitor performance and value realization of PPA and sustainability projects, ensuring alignment with corporate emissions reduction goals, energy cost optimization targets, and long-term business strategy Supplier Relationship Management Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliersConduct supplier performance reviewsLead supplier development initiatives and mitigate supplier risks Contract Management Negotiate commercial agreements and contract termsEnsure compliance with contractual obligations and procurement policiesManage renewals, amendments, and commercial negotiations Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Legal stakeholdersProvide procurement expertise and market insights Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement Monitor market trends, supplier developments, technological advancements, and regulatory changesDevelop category dashboards and performance metricsBenchmark suppliers and industry practices What Sets You Apart We're looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field; in lieu of a degree,10 or more years of relevant experience is acceptable5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain roles3+ years of experience sourcing energy, industrial consumables, thread protectors, technical materials, industrial services, or other strategic categories is preferredWorking knowledge of electricity and natural-gas procurement concepts, utility/supplier billing structures, and commodity-market risk is strongly preferredAbility to understand technically specified products and evaluate supplier performance using total cost and productivity metrics, particularly for Thread Protectors and Strategic commoditiesStrong analytical capability with energy pricing, indexation, tariffs, consumption data, budgeting, and commercial scenario modelingStrong knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance managementExperience sourcing energy (electricity and/or natural gas), industrial consumables, tooling, thread protectors, or technically specified materials is preferredProficiency with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a matrix organizationDemonstrated leadership, ownership mindset, and ability to influence stakeholders without direct authorityCommitment to compliance, ethical sourcing practices, and continuous improvement What Powers Your Performance Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who possess: Strong analytical, negotiation, financial, and contract management skillsStrategic Sourcing & Category Management Energy Procurement & Risk Management Supplier Relationship Management Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management Market Analysis & Forecasting Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration How We Support Your Success We're committed to helping you thrive on the job and beyond. That's why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including: Medical, Dental, and Vision CoverageCompany-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term DisabilityProfit Sharing: Up to 4%401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting periodPaid Parental LeavePaid Holidays: 10 days plus 1 floating holidayPaid Vacation TimePerformance-Based Bonus ProgramTuition Reimbursement Safety isn't negotiable, it's who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it's a promise we make to every colleague, every day.