Category Specialist

The opportunity 
 

You as a Category Specialist will be part of Hitachi Energy business based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Implement and adhere to Supply Chain Management (SCM) strategies and processes, and follow-ups in factories to ensure material availability, delivery performance, and cost competitiveness. Lead the procurement process for defined material groups, achieving timely availability, cost savings, quality, and service level objectives. Support the development and implementation of regional/global sourcing strategies, and manage supplier performance to secure quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability.
 

How you’ll make an impact 

• SCM Practice Implementation and support the implementation, maintenance, and compliance of SCM practices, such as Strategic Sourcing, Process & Excellence, Risk Management, Supply Base Management & Quality.
• Design and implement plans for local sources to reach business targets. Support regional and global sourcing initiatives as required.
• Drive the implementation of global SCM initiatives and monitor performance and global SCM Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Supplier / Material Identification and selection and support the development and implementation of regional/global sourcing strategies in alignment with regional/global Category Managers.
• Develop SCM sourcing concepts, including number and type of suppliers needed, make-or-buy comparisons, cost scenarios, and new materials.
• Share sourcing concepts with relevant stakeholders, agree on actions, responsibilities, and deadlines.
• Work with Category Managers and Supplier Quality Engineers for supplier selection.
• Identify the need for new supplier developments for critical materials.
• Coordinate and implement sourcing strategies to identify, analyze, evaluate, audit, and monitor suppliers.
• Conduct all SCM activities for goods and services in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Contract management and adapt the corporate contractual framework to local business needs.
• Recommend frame agreements to management and execute upon approval.
• Bid and Proposal support bid and proposal teams by providing relevant market information.
• Strategic sourcing activities and Plan, initialize, and monitor strategic sourcing activities for projects, new product developments, early involvement of key suppliers, and design to cost aspects.
• Leverage the Continuous Improvement Process Sourcing (CIPS) process, Initiate and improve operational Excellence & Supplier Performance.
• Manage Supplier Performance Evaluation (SPE) results and cost targets in new developments.
• Supplier Relationship Management and managing relationships with key suppliers to ensure timely delivery, quality, and compliance with contractual terms.
• Oversee supplier performance (on-time delivery, quality, lead time) and resolve performance issues.
• Internal Stakeholder Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as engineering, planning, and fulfillment to secure material availability in production.
• Apply standards on health, safety, environment, and business ethics within operational work, contract management, and negotiations.
• You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Living Hitachi Energy’s core values safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your background 

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or Supply Chain Management, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: Minimum 6-8 years of working experience in Engineering, Purchasing, and Supply Chain Management.
• Skills: Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and strong communication skills.
• Results orientation with proven implementation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to influence and persuade.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently on a daily basis.
• Compliance and ethics oriented.
• Flexibility to travel up to 15%.
• Preferred: CPSM or PMP certifications, CIPP, CIPM, SAP Experience, Documentation Management Systems, Power BI, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English and Arabic language is required.