Category Specialist / Category Buyer

Reports To: Head, Category Management

Job Summary

Support the execution of category strategies by delivering sourcing events, managing supplier performace, and ensuring efficient, compliant, and value-driven procurement operations aligned with business requirements.

Act as an operational procurement partner to stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and adherence to category strategies and contracts.

Scope of Responsibility

Execute sourcing and procurement activities across assigned sub-categories or spend areas

Manage supplier interactions and transactional/commercial execution

Support contract implementation and compliance

Ensure alignment with Category Strategy and procurement policies

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Category Strategy Execution & Planning Support:

Support Category Lead in executing category strategies and sourcing plans

Conduct spend analysis, demand tracking, and basic market research

Maintain category data, supplier lists, and sourcing pipelines

Identify and escalate value opportunities (cost savings, demand optimization)

Strategic Sourcing Execution:

Execute sourcing events (RFI, RFQ, RFP) in line with category strategy

Prepare RFx documentation, evaluation models, and commercial comparisons

Support negotiations with suppliers (pricing, terms, delivery)

Ensure sourcing processes are compliant, transparent, and documented

Supplier & Contract Management:

Manage day-to-day supplier interactions and communication

Track supplier performance (delivery, quality, SLA adherence)

Support supplier onboarding, qualification, and documentation

Monitor contract compliance and flag deviations

Stakeholder Engagement & Support:

Act as first point of contact for operational procurement request

Translate stakeholder needs into sourcing requirements

Ensure timely processing of procurement requests and purchase orders

Support demand control by challenging non-compliant or unnecessary requests

Risk, Compliance & Governance:

Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and approvals

Identify and escalate supply risks (delivery delays, supplier issues, contract gaps)

Maintain proper documentation for audit and compliance purposes

Support supplier due diligence and governance processes

Performance Tracking & Reporting:

Track sourcing savings, cost avoidance, and delivery performance

Maintain procurement dashboards and reports

Monitor key KPIs (OTIF, cycle time, compliance, savings delivery)

Provide regular updates to Category Lead and stakeholders

Demand Management & Specification Support:

Support demand planning and validation of purchase requests

Ensure specifications align with approved standards and contracts

Identify opportunities for standardization and consumption control

Escalate opportunities for value engineering

Procurement Operations & Process Excellence:

Execute purchase orders and ensure timely order placement

Manage end-to-end PR-to-PO process

Maintain data accuracy in procurement systems (ERP)

Drive process improvements (cycle time, efficiency, compliance)

Continuous Improvement & Capability Development:

Build knowledge of sourcing processes, supplier markets, and commercial practices

Support digital procurement tools and analytics adoption

Participate in process improvement and cost optimization initiatives

Safety, Sustainability & ESG Compliance:

Ensure suppliers comply with HSE and ESG requirements

Support responsible sourcing and ethical procurement practices

Monitor and report supplier compliance issues

Perform other tasks and duties as assigned by the line manager

Education and Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

3–8 years’ experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles

Professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, etc.) is an advantage

Experience supporting sourcing events and supplier management

Familiarity with procurement systems and processes

Functional Competencies:

Sourcing Execution & RFx Management

Basic Commercial Negotiation

Supplier Coordination & Performance Tracking

Contract Compliance Monitoring

Spend Analysis & Reporting

Procurement Process Execution.

Digital Competencies:

ERP systems (SAP)

Excel and basic data analysis

Spend analytics tools (user level)

E-sourcing tools.

Behavioral Competencies:

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder collaboration

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

High integrity and professionalism.

Minimum qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate

How to apply

Use the link(s) below to apply on company website.

Regional Head Internal Audit for Nigeria

Audit Analyst for Nigeria

CNG Truck Driver (Inbound Logistics)

Process Safety Manager

Category Specialist / Category Buyer

https://www.myjobmag.com/apply-now/1381839

Similar open roles

• Warehouse SupervisorSayed Farms Limited · Oyo
• Senior Procurement ManagerManagement Sciences For Health - MSH · Abuja
• Procurement OfficerManagement Sciences For Health - MSH · Abuja
• Project Logistics Lead IINautilus Nigeria Engineering and Construction Limited · Lagos
• Integrated Pharmacy and Commodities OptimizerThe Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research · Nigeria
• Depot Inventory OfficerDangote · Lagos