Senior Category Management Specialist - Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

ADNOC Abu Dhabi UAE; Abu Dhabi; Vor Ort; AED 600.000 - 800.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

ADNOC Group in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, seeks an experienced Senior Category Management Specialist to lead high‑value procurement categories across ADNOC Group Companies. The role drives category strategy, sourcing execution and supplier performance improvements while guiding cross‑functional teams and liaising with senior stakeholders.

Required are 12+ years of experience with at least 5 years in Category Management, preferably within the oil and gas sector.

Qualifikationen

• Minimum 12 years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in Category Management.
• Experience in the oil and gas industry is preferred.
• Experience managing complex strategic procurement categories and cross-functional sourcing activities.

Aufgaben

• Lead multiple complex procurement categories with limited supervision.
• Manage the full category management lifecycle: strategy, sourcing, implementation and supplier management.
• Develop category strategies aligned with business objectives and corporate values.
• Guide Category Management Specialists and Strategic Sourcing personnel in delivering category strategies.
• Represent ADNOC Group in cross‑functional procurement initiatives and stakeholder engagements.

Kenntnisse

Category Management

Strategic Sourcing

Procurement

Stakeholder Management

Cross-functional Leadership

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business Administration

Jobbeschreibung

Senior Category Management Specialist - Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Job Snapshot - Role: Senior Category Management Specialist - Strategic Sourcing and Procurement - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Oil and Energy - Function: Purchasing-Procurement - Experience: Minimum 12 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in Category Management - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview ADNOC Group is seeking an experienced Category Management professional to lead complex, high-value strategic procurement categories across its Group Companies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The role is responsible for developing and implementing category strategies covering multibillion-dollar third-party expenditure, supporting the delivery of commercial value, cost optimization, supplier performance improvements and procurement excellence. Working closely with Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Technical, Finance, Logistics and In-Country Value (ICV) teams, the successful candidate will lead cross-functional category initiatives, coordinate strategic sourcing activities and guide the implementation of framework agreements. The position requires strong commercial judgment, strategic procurement expertise and the ability to influence senior stakeholders while managing multiple complex categories. Cross-functional teams may include approximately 5 to 50 members per category, drawn from participating ADNOC Group Companies. The role also supports sector-level procurement planning, supplier relationship management, procurement transformation and the development of category management capabilities across ADNOC Group.

Job Details – Country: United Arab Emirates – City: Abu Dhabi – Industry: Oil and Energy – Function: Purchasing-Procurement – Salary: Not disclosed – Gender: No Preference – Candidate Nationality: Not specified – Job Type: Full Time – Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Accountabilities

• Lead multiple complex and strategically important procurement categories simultaneously, operating with limited supervision.
• Manage the complete category management lifecycle, including strategy development, sourcing, implementation and supplier management.
• Guide Category Management Specialists and Strategic Sourcing personnel in developing and delivering category strategies.
• Oversee the quality and completeness of assigned Specialists' deliverables.
• Support the Category Manager in establishing cross-functional teams comprising technical and procurement representatives from ADNOC Group Companies.
• Develop category strategies aligned with business objectives, operational requirements and corporate values.
• Secure stakeholder agreement on proposed strategies and coordinate communication and implementation activities.
• Represent the Sector when requested by the Manager.
• Promote consistent adoption of category management principles across ADNOC Group.
• Support the overall objectives and delivery commitments of the Category Management Team.

Sector Strategy and Procurement Planning

• Assist the Manager in developing sector procurement strategies based on evolving business requirements.
• Contribute to the development of 12-month and five-year sector strategies aligned with approved business plans.
• Identify and prioritize common procurement categories across Upstream and Downstream operations.
• Generate and periodically update ADNOC category spend maps.
• Coordinate with ADNOC and Group Company planning teams to analyse procurement demand and expenditure forecasts.
• Evaluate historical spending patterns, pricing approaches and inventory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate purchasing requirements across Group Companies.
• Develop strategic sourcing plans that support long-term commercial value and operational efficiency.
• Support Sector Steering Committee activities, including secretarial responsibilities where applicable.
• Establish effective relationships with senior management to support sector strategy alignment.

Spend Analysis and Total Cost Optimization

• Lead the analysis of historical expenditure, demand forecasts and inventory information.
• Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including product lifecycle costs, demand volumes and usage patterns.
• Identify opportunities to reduce expenditure through specification rationalization, standardization and substitution.
• Assess potential savings from volume bundling, demand consolidation and procurement efficiency improvements.
• Work with Technical and Procurement teams to identify common product and service requirements.
• Direct product segmentation, simplification and technical specification standardization initiatives.
• Review and prioritize cost‑saving opportunities based on financial impact and implementation feasibility.
• Benchmark relevant industry standards and procurement practices.
• Develop and review cost models to support sourcing decisions and supplier negotiations.
• Identify opportunities to reduce inventory levels while maintaining operational requirements and supply reliability.

Market Intelligence and Sourcing Strategy

• Coordinate with Market Intelligence teams to assess supplier markets and category developments.
• Analyse cost drivers, market trends, competition and supplier profiles.
• Identify strategic suppliers and categories requiring focused sourcing approaches.
• Evaluate alternative sourcing strategies and their commercial implications.
• Apply recognized procurement methodologies, including the Kraljic Matrix, Porter 's Five Forces and Purchasing Chessboard.
• Select appropriate sourcing levers based on category characteristics and business priorities.
• Review category strategy options and assess their feasibility and potential value.
• Evaluate contracting approaches, including competitive tenders, framework agreements, long‑term contracts and strategic partnerships.
• Support Procurement teams in identifying potential bidders and developing suitable bidder lists.
• Consider market conditions, demand forecasts and supplier capabilities when developing sourcing recommendations.

Tendering and Commercial Evaluation

• Ensure tender documents reflect approved category strategies.
• Review technical, commercial, contractual and legal requirements included in tender packages.
• Support Strategic Sourcing personnel in executing tender processes efficiently and in accordance with approved procedures.
• Verify alignment with relevant Tender Board recommendations.
• Coordinate with end users to establish clear technical and commercial evaluation criteria.
• Ensure evaluation criteria consider Total Cost of Ownership and applicable ICV requirements.
• Oversee the commercial and technical evaluation of supplier offers in accordance with ADNOC guidelines.
• Review and recommend bidder lists, contract awards, amendments and variations for management approval.
• Support the preparation of relevant tender submissions and approval documentation.
• Maintain transparency, fairness and compliance throughout sourcing and tendering activities.

Contracting Strategy and Framework Agreements

• Review and endorse proposed contracting strategies for assigned categories.
• Support the development and execution of framework agreements in accordance with company policies.
• Provide guidance on the formulation and applicability of contractual terms and conditions.
• Ensure category-specific performance indicators are incorporated into relevant contractual arrangements.
• Support Procurement teams in issuing framework agreements and work orders.
• Coordinate with relevant functions to evaluate change orders and contractor claims.
• Review commercial concerns arising during framework agreement implementation.
• Provide contractual and commercial advice to end users throughout relevant contract development stages.
• Support the execution and implementation of work orders by ADNOC Group Companies.
• Promote effective contract administration and supplier relationship management.
• Contribute to conflict avoidance and appropriate resolution of contractual disputes.

Strategic Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with key and strategic suppliers across assigned categories.
• Lead the implementation of supplier management practices across categories and framework agreements.
• Develop Supplier Management Plans and obtain the required senior management approvals.
• Organize and prepare supplier performance review meetings.
• Monitor supplier performance against contractual commitments and agreed key performance indicators.
• Coordinate corrective actions and improvement initiatives where supplier performance falls below expectations.
• Address framework‑level commercial concerns with relevant suppliers.
• Lead collaborative efficiency workshops to identify waste reduction and additional value creation opportunities.
• Explore improvements through integrated planning, technology adoption and operational coordination.
• Support the realization of value identified during sourcing and throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Promote transparent, ethical and cooperative relationships with suppliers and the local business community.

In‑Country Value and ESG Integration

• Collaborate with the ICV team to identify and deliver In‑Country Value opportunities within assigned categories.
• Incorporate relevant ICV considerations into category strategies and sourcing evaluations.
• Identify additional ICV opportunities through framework agreement awards and supplier performance plans.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to support applicable ADNOC ICV objectives.
• Promote the adoption of ADNOC Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives through category management activities.
• Integrate relevant sustainability considerations into sourcing and supplier management approaches.

Cross‑Functional Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary Category Management Teams across ADNOC Group Companies.
• Work closely with Procurement, Technical, Planning, Inventory, Warehousing, Logistics, Purchase‑to‑Pay and ICV functions.
• Develop strong relationships with Procurement and Technical Leaders, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents and Managers.
• Engage relevant stakeholders to ensure category strategies reflect end‑to‑end business requirements.
• Facilitate collaboration between procurement and technical personnel on commercial optimisation initiatives.
• Coordinate technical specification reviews and category management benchmarking with shareholders where required.
• Influence decisions across organisational levels through clear commercial analysis and strategic recommendations.
• Support alignment and trust between the Category Management function and senior business stakeholders.

Project and Programme Management

• Lead category management projects and coordinate the activities of assigned cross‑functional teams.
• Establish project objectives, milestones, responsibilities and implementation plans.
• Monitor delivery progress against agreed category strategy objectives.
• Identify project risks, delays and implementation barriers.
• Coordinate corrective actions to maintain progress and achieve expected outcomes.
• Manage multiple category initiatives, deadlines and competing priorities.
• Adapt category plans to changing market conditions and business requirements while maintaining quality expectations.
• Ensure sector‑related files, procurement records and supporting documentation are accurately maintained and updated.

Procurement Excellence and Continuous Improvement

• Promote consistency in procurement processes and category management methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve sourcing efficiency, cost management and supplier performance.
• Support the adoption of recognized procurement practices across ADNOC Group.
• Lead initiatives aimed at improving technical specification standardisation and procurement effectiveness.
• Recommend process improvements that support operational excellence and cost optimisation.
• Encourage knowledge sharing and the application of innovative procurement solutions.
• Support positive organisational change by promoting value‑driven procurement practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes in accordance with applicable ISO standards.
• Contribute to procurement transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across the Sector.

People Management and Capability Development

• Plan and supervise assigned personnel and resources to achieve departmental objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Category Management Specialists and procurement teams.
• Develop category management capabilities across participating ADNOC Group Companies.
• Support the development of employee competencies and professional knowledge.
• Contribute to Personal Development Plans, succession planning and talent pipeline development.
• Coordinate relevant development initiatives with the Human Capability Group.
• Support the professional development of UAE National employees in line with Emiratisation objectives.
• Encourage employee motivation, innovation and effective collaboration.
• Review section organisation requirements and recommend improvements to support business objectives and efficient resource utilisation.

Budgets and Operational Performance

• Provide inputs for departmental budget preparation and operational planning.
• Monitor expenditure against approved section budgets.
• Investigate, highlight and reconcile significant budget variances.
• Support cost‑conscious resource allocation and effective financial control.
• Implement approved operational plans in accordance with departmental objectives.
• Monitor progress against section key performance indicators.
• Apply the Company Performance Management System in accordance with approved guidelines.
• Track performance against the Annual Performance Management Contract and Balanced Scorecard requirements.

Policies, Governance and Compliance

• Lead the implementation of approved section policies, procedures, systems and internal controls.
• Ensure category management and sourcing activities comply with ADNOC requirements.
• Support consistent application of company and relevant international standards.
• Maintain appropriate procurement documentation and approval records.
• Promote sound business ethics and transparency in supplier and stakeholder interactions.
• Ensure procurement decisions follow established governance and authorisation requirements.

Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability

• Support the development of a strong HSE culture within the assigned section.
• Ensure compliance with relevant HSE policies, procedures, systems and controls.
• Follow applicable legislation and sustainability guidelines.
• Promote alignment with international standards, industry best practices and ADNOC Codes of Practice.
• Ensure appropriate HSE training and induction are provided to section employees.
• Incorporate relevant sustainability considerations into ongoing work practices.

Management Reporting

• Prepare section Management Information System (MIS) reports and progress updates.
• Provide accurate and timely information to company management.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring and Control Department to supply data required for performance reporting.
• Monitor category strategy implementation, procurement savings and supplier performance.
• Report significant delivery issues, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain appropriate records supporting management reviews and performance assessments.

Communication and Working Relationships

• Internal Stakeholders – ADNOC Directorates and corporate functions.
• Internal Stakeholders – ADNOC Group Companies.
• Internal Stakeholders – Procurement and Technical leadership.
• Internal Stakeholders – Category Management and Strategic Sourcing teams.
• Internal Stakeholders – Planning, Inventory, Warehousing and Logistics functions.
• Internal Stakeholders – Purchase‑to‑Pay and ICV teams.
• Internal Stakeholders – Finance and relevant business stakeholders.
• Internal Stakeholders – Human Capability Group.
• Internal Stakeholders – Monitoring and Control Department.
• Internal Stakeholders – Senior management and sector governance stakeholders.
• External Stakeholders – Strategic suppliers and framework agreement contractors.
• External Stakeholders – Relevant shareholders.
• External Stakeholders – Local business community and supplier representatives.
• External Stakeholders – External parties involved in category management and procurement activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Education – Bachelor 's degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business Administration or an equivalent qualification.
• Professional Experience – Minimum 12 years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional Experience – At least 5 years of experience in Category Management.
• Professional Experience – Experience in the oil and gas industry is preferred.
• Professional Experience – Experience managing complex strategic procurement categories and cross‑functional sourcing activities.
• Professional Experience – Ability to collaborate across business functions and with stakeholders at all organisational levels.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic Category Management – Strong understanding of the end‑to‑end category management lifecycle.
• Strategic Category Management – Ability to develop and implement category strategies for complex procurement requirements.
• Strategic Category Management – Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and procurement planning.
• Strategic Category Management – Understanding of category segmentation, supplier selection and market analysis.
• Strategic Category Management – Ability to apply recognised procurement frameworks and industry best practices.
• Strategic Category Management – Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership analysis and procurement value optimisation.
• Commercial and Financial Analysis – Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities.
• Commercial and Financial Analysis – Ability to evaluate procurement expenditure, cost drivers and demand forecasts.
• Commercial and Financial Analysis – Understanding of commercial value assessment and sourcing cost models.
• Commercial and Financial Analysis – Strong financial and strategic analysis skills.
• Commercial and Financial Analysis – Ability to identify and prioritise procurement savings opportunities.
• Commercial and Financial Analysis – Knowledge of cost optimisation and inventory reduction approaches.
• Negotiation and Contract Management – Strong commercial negotiation and contract preparation skills.
• Negotiation and Contract Management – Understanding of tendering, bid evaluation and contract award processes.
• Negotiation and Contract Management – Knowledge of framework agreements and long‑term contracting arrangements.
• Negotiation and Contract Management – Experience in conflict avoidance and contractual dispute resolution.
• Negotiation and Contract Management – Ability to assess commercial risks and contractual obligations.
• Negotiation and Contract Management – Understanding of supplier performance requirements and contract lifecycle management.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management – Ability to lead multidisciplinary category management teams.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management – Strong critical thinking and innovative problem‑solving skills.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management – Excellent communication and persuasive presentation capabilities.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management – Ability to influence stakeholders across different organisational levels.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management – Strong project and programme management skills.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management – Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast‑paced, changing business environment.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management – Capability to coach and mentor procurement personnel and support organisational capability development.
• Professional Competencies – Strategic and commercial decision‑making.
• Professional Competencies – Strong financial and quantitative reasoning.
• Professional Competencies – Effective supplier relationship management.
• Professional Competencies – Advanced negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
• Professional Competencies – Cross‑functional leadership and team coordination.
• Professional Competencies – Project planning and execution.
• Professional Competencies – Analytical problem‑solving and innovation.
• Professional Competencies – Clear communication and executive presentation.
• Professional Competencies – Commitment to procurement governance and business ethics.
• Professional Competencies – Ability to drive continuous improvement and organisational change.

The Senior Category Management Specialist contributes to ADNOC Group 's procurement and commercial objectives by developing and implementing strategic category initiatives, optimising third‑party expenditure and strengthening supplier performance. Through cross‑functional leadership, advanced sourcing practices and disciplined commercial management, the role supports long‑term value creation, procurement efficiency and sustainable business performance across ADNOC Group Companies.