Category Specialist- MRO - Knoxville - AtWork - Knoxville

Description

This is a contract position expected to last 8 months to 1 year. The Category Specialist supports the development and execution of strategic procurement initiatives across Capex and MRO categories.

This role manages sourcing events, supplier relationships, and contract lifecycle activities while collaborating closely with internal teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals, project requirements, and budgetary expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement Category Strategies Support the execution of category strategies for Capex and MRO to improve procurement effectiveness, optimize spend, and drive alignment with business objectives.
• Lead Sourcing & Contracting Activities Plan and execute sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs), manage the competitive bidding process, analyze supplier proposals, and negotiate terms to secure cost effective and risk appropriate agreements.
• Partner with Internal Stakeholders Collaborate with engineering, operations, project management, and other functions to understand requirements and ensure procurement plans support project timelines and financial targets.
• Manage Contract Lifecycle Track contract performance and key dates, oversee renewals, and ensure timely execution to maintain compliance, continuity, and value.
• Provide Project Procurement Support Act as the primary procurement contact for assigned projects and initiatives, leading all related sourcing, negotiation, and supplier engagement activities.
• Drive Continuous Improvement Stay current on market trends, supplier innovations, and best practices in strategic sourcing to improve category performance and procurement processes.
• Identify and Evaluate Suppliers Research, qualify, and assess new suppliers to strengthen supply base quality, competitiveness, and innovation.

Required Skills & Knowledge -Strong understanding of procurement best practices -Supplier relationship and performance management -Contract negotiation and contract management -Market research and supplier intelligence -Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite -Strong analytical and problem-solving skills -Effective time management and prioritization -Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration -Vendor evaluation and relationship management Required &
Preferred Experience Required: 3+ years in procurement or category management Required: 2+ years in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost-savings initiatives Required: 2+ years of experience in the MRO category