Senior Procurement Category Specialist - Steel Fabrication

About the role

As the Senior Procurement Category Specialist, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of procurement strategies for various assigned categories, aligning with MPS objectives for cost, quality, and schedule. This role focuses on achieving "best cost" while improving efficiencies throughout the procurement process—from estimate to contract close-out—to drive savings and efficiency across the company.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing category strategies to achieve financial value-add and improve Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through detailed analysis of the category portfolio, including consolidation of the supplier base and spend across all geographical areas.
• Address key operating priorities including performance management, safety, and compliance.
• Assess work streams and activities for consolidation opportunities.
• Evaluate current and future business processes for best work practices and technological fit based on external market and industry standards.
• Monitor the global supply market for pricing and commodity trends, supplier capacity, supplier news, industry news, and new product developments.
• Aggressively pursue defined Category Management (CM) strategies to ensure competitive advantage for MPS and position MPS as a market leader and preferred client of key suppliers.
• Develop and implement metrics to monitor areas of responsibility, identify gaps, and implement action plans to remediate.
• Understand, assess, and anticipate the internal/external strategic landscape of Supply Chain and its impact on projects.
• Proactively challenge current procurement, estimating, and cost-tracking practices to drive improved results.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to resolve complex issues while executing advanced organizational readiness and change management strategies.
• Build wide and effective networks of contacts inside and outside the organization.
• Ensure strategies for assigned categories evolve to adequately address changing market conditions.
• Assist in negotiating Master Agreements with key suppliers.
• Perform cost analysis and set appropriate benchmarks/KPIs for suppliers and commodities against MPS projects and divisions.
• Maintain a safety-conscious work environment by following safety protocols and safe work practices.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience in procurement, contract management, project management, or a related role.
• Expertise in procurement, estimating, business, 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 that specify charter, scope, cost estimates, schedule, milestones, target dates, and risk management plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated, driven to succeed, strong critical thinker, and able to think and communicate in terms of process flow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Management, Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) Certification or Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSM) Certification preferred.

Working Conditions

• General work environment—sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending.
• Work is conducted primarily indoors with varying environmental conditions such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning.
• Noise level is usually low to medium; it can be loud on the jobsite.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs.
• Travel up to 10%.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• 401k retirement plan.
• Annual bonus program based on performance, profitability, and achievement.
• 17 PTO days per year plus 10 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Disability Income Protection Insurance.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care).
• Charitable Giving Match with the Rosendin Foundation.