Operations & Category Management Advisor (SCM)

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager/Senior Manager, SCM Operations Category Management, this role is responsible for managing assigned category portfolios and overseeing the full contract lifecycle. The successful candidate will develop category strategies in collaboration with key stakeholders, execute sourcing initiatives, negotiate and manage contracts, and support ongoing supplier performance and contract administration activities.

This position also supports the broader Operations Category Management team with RFx development, contract creation and maintenance, data analysis, reporting, and system administration activities within Ariba and SAP.

This role supports both Upstream and Downstream operations across North America.

Key Responsibilities

Category & Sourcing Management

• Manage assigned category portfolios throughout the full sourcing and contract lifecycle.
• Conduct market analysis, cost modeling, supplier assessments, pricing analysis, and portfolio segmentation.
• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Execute sourcing initiatives in accordance with annual plans and company procurement processes.
• Manage supplier pre-qualification, RFx development, bid evaluations, negotiations, contract awards, and supplier onboarding activities.

Contract Management

• Administer contracts post-award, including amendments, renewals, claims management, dispute resolution, KPI reviews, and contract closeout activities.
• Facilitate supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all contract documentation is maintained and stored appropriately within designated contract management systems.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and governance requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Team Support

• Liaise with and support stakeholders across Legal, Risk Management, HSE, QA/QC, Finance, Operations, and other business functions.
• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to support pre- and post-award commercial activities.
• Provide guidance and peer support to team members as required.
• Support SCM strategic objectives and Business Value Methodology initiatives.

Reporting & Systems Support

• Support reporting, data analysis, and performance measurement activities.
• Assist with contract administration, RFx creation, contract creation, and maintenance activities.
• Provide support for Ariba and SAP systems and related procurement processes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Undergraduate degree in a business, technical, supply chain, commerce, engineering, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of procurement, sourcing, or contract management experience.
• 2+ years of category management experience.
• Strong understanding of the sourcing and contracting lifecycle.
• Foundational understanding of Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes, master data concepts, and master data governance.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Supply Chain designation such as SCMP, CSCP, CIPS, or ISM.
• Experience with SAP.
• Experience with Ariba sourcing and contract management systems.
• Strong supplier relationship and negotiation skills.
• Experience with contract risk management.

Competencies

Organizational Competencies

• Forward Thinking
• Change Agility
• Develops Potential
• Communicates Effectively
• Works Collaboratively
• Technical Professional Skills
• Drives for Results

Technical Competencies (Assets)

• Supply Chain Management Processes
• Category Management Experience
• Ariba (Sourcing & Contract Storage)
• SAP Systems (P2P Processes)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Sourcing Activities Related to Contracting
• Negotiation Skills
• Contract Management & Risk Management

Work Environment

• Office-based position
• Occasional field/site visits
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Supports stakeholders across multiple business units and geographic locations

What We Offer

Why work with Brunel? We are proud to offer exciting career opportunities from over 100 offices globally in 42 countries. Advancing your career takes time and effort – let us match you to your ideal position.

About Us

Brunel has a reputation for working with some of the best in the business. That’s what we continually strive for. Brunel provides the global recruitment and workforce services you need to lead your industry. With 50 years of market experience in Renewable Energy, Automotive, Oil & Gas, Life Sciences, Mining and Infrastructure, we help you finish major projects safely, compliantly, on-time, within budget and at the highest quality, so you can keep growing – anywhere in the world.