The Category Lead is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive value, optimise total cost of ownership, and ensure supply continuity across assigned spend areas within an oil and energy environment.

A key requirement of this role is strong expertise in NEC (New Engineering Contract) frameworks, ensuring that contracts are structured, negotiated, and managed effectively to balance risk, drive supplier performance, and support operational delivery.

The role partners closely with business stakeholders, acting as a strategic advisor on procurement, sourcing, and contract management, while ensuring compliance with governance frameworks and procurement policies.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

Category Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business priorities and procurement objectives

• Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and industry research to inform sourcing decisions

• Identify and deliver cost optimisation, value creation, and risk mitigation opportunities

• Continuously review category performance and adjust strategies as required

Strategic Sourcing & NEC Contracting

• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes (RFx, evaluations, negotiations, supplier selection)

• Structure and negotiate commercial agreements, with a strong focus on NEC3/NEC4 contracts

• Ensure appropriate contract selection, risk allocation, and commercial terms aligned to business needs

• Oversee contract drafting, execution, and management in line with NEC principles (e.g. early warning, compensation events, programme management)

• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with internal policies (e.g. PACM), governance frameworks, and audit requirements

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders

• Lead supplier performance management, including KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Act as a trusted advisor to the business, providing procurement insights and guidance

• Enable effective cross-functional collaboration across Finance, Legal, Operations, and other business units

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Identify and manage category and supplier risks, including commercial exposure and supply continuity

• Ensure adherence to procurement governance frameworks, policies, and controls

• Support audit requirements and maintain accurate documentation and reporting

• Proactively manage NEC-related risks, including contract performance, variations, and disputes

Performance & Reporting

• Track and report on savings, value delivery, and procurement performance metrics

• Provide insights into spend analytics and category trends

• Contribute to procurement reporting for leadership forums (e.g. EXCO, Finance)

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Commerce, Engineering, or related field

• CIPS or equivalent professional qualification (advantageous)

• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in procurement or category management within oil & gas, energy, or heavy industry

• Proven experience in NEC3/NEC4 contract negotiation and administration

• Experience managing complex, high-value supplier agreements

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of NEC contract frameworks, including early warning mechanisms and compensation events

• Excellent commercial and negotiation skills

• Strong understanding of procurement governance and compliance requirements

• Ability to manage complex supplier relationships and contracts

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability

• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret spend data and market trends

• High attention to detail with strong governance orientation

Application deadline:

28 April 2026