Category Management Specialist
Build category strategies that optimize cost, improve supplier performance, and protect supply.
LOCATION Suite 240, 4000 Glenmore Court SE
Calgary, AB T2C 5R8 | REPORTS TO Procurement Lead |
TEAM Supply Chain | BUSINESS Design-Build |
Who you are
You can turn spend data and technical requirements into sound sourcing decisions. At Startec Thermal and Process, you’ll own assigned procurement categories from strategy through execution, applying your industrial valves and instrumentation knowledge to optimize cost, improve supplier performance, and protect supply continuity.
Working with Engineering, Projects, Operations, and Finance in a fabrication and project-based environment, you’ll align sourcing with material requirements and project schedules while managing supply risk.
You take ownership and involve stakeholders early in sourcing changes. As one of our Everyday Mavericks, you’ll put that collaborative approach into practice. Category assignments rotate every 2–3 years to build enterprise capability, share knowledge, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
What you bring
Required credentials and technical experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 5–7 years of progressive experience in procurement, category management, or related supply chain roles.
- Working knowledge of industrial valves and instrumentation, including interpreting specifications and data sheets and assessing supplier capabilities and quotations.
- Experience developing and executing category or sourcing strategies that deliver measurable business value.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and procurement tools.
Analytical, commercial, and collaboration skills
- Strong analytical and commercial skills, with experience in spend analysis, cost modelling, and market assessment.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence teams across functions.
Assets: Manufacturing, fabrication, EPC, or industrial experience; Microsoft NAVISION and/or D365 experience; and professional supply chain or procurement certification, such as SCMP, CIPS, or CPSM.
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
Analyse category spend, demand patterns, and cost drivers to identify trends, consolidation opportunities, and areas for improvement. Use procurement and ERP data to develop category strategies and support sourcing decisions. Maintain category metrics and insights to monitor supplier and category performance and inform stakeholders.
Cost Optimization & Value Delivery
Identify and execute cost optimization opportunities through standardization, process improvement, and supplier rationalization, aligned with category strategies. Support cost savings and value delivery objectives by tracking and communicating realized benefits. Apply cost modelling, should-cost concepts, and market benchmarking, as appropriate, to support commercial decisions and negotiations.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Internal Collaboration
Partner with Engineering, Projects, Operations, and Finance to align category strategies with project execution, fabrication requirements, and operational needs. Apply your 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. Support material forecasting and long-lead planning to mitigate supply risk and help projects stay on schedule.
Communication & Change Management
Communicate category strategies, sourcing initiatives, and supplier changes clearly to affected stakeholders. Support the adoption of standardized procurement and sourcing practices by engaging stakeholders early and addressing business needs and constraints. Coordinate internal teams and suppliers to maintain alignment and minimize disruption during sourcing or supplier transitions.
Governance, Risk Management & Compliance
Policy, Process & Commercial Governance
Ensure category strategies and sourcing activities align with Startec’s procurement policies, ethical standards, and commercial governance requirements. Maintain clear, accurate documentation for supplier evaluations, sourcing decisions, and contractual commitments. Apply consistent, 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 supply continuity and project execution. Monitor supplier risk indicators and work proactively with internal stakeholders and suppliers to mitigate potential disruptions.
Ready to apply?
All applicants must complete the TRAITS Behavioural Assessment when submitting their application.
Complete the TRAITS Assessment
We offer competitive wages, training, flexible, dynamic, and exciting work environment.
We thank you for your application and interest in our organization. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
