Capital Projects Category Manager

Direct Hire OpportunityOnsite Monday-FridayThis direct hire opportunity is based in Houston, Texas and offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment supporting complex capital projects, construction activities, and operational procurement initiatives.Position OverviewThe Category Manager is responsible for leading strategic sourcing and category management activities supporting capital projects, operations, maintenance, engineering, and construction functions. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders to develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships, execute sourcing events, negotiate contracts, and support supply chain transformation initiatives.The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership capabilities, deep experience in strategic sourcing and contracting, and a proven background supporting large industrial, LNG, oil & gas, petrochemical, pipeline, or energy infrastructure projects.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage a team of supply chain and category management professionals.Provide strategic oversight of category portfolios, sourcing activities, supplier relationships, and value delivery initiatives.Coach and develop team members while driving accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Partner with business stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with operational and project objectives.Influence and engage leadership to ensure alignment on procurement priorities and resource requirements.Support innovation and process improvements within sourcing, contracting, and supplier management functions.Ensure quality, timeliness, and compliance of sourcing and contracting activities.Serve as the primary supply chain interface for assigned categories and capital project spend.Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, construction, operations, maintenance, and project teams.Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships focused on performance, reliability, and value creation.Support development and execution of contract and procurement strategies for capital and operational projects.Promote supplier innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.Assist internal stakeholders with contractor performance management and supplier evaluations.Develop and implement comprehensive category management strategies.Align category plans with demand planning, inventory strategies, procurement processes, and project execution schedules.Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with applicable company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.Monitor supply market trends, emerging technologies, and commercial strategies to support informed decision-making.Drive end-to-end category management from strategy development through implementation and benefits realization.Ensure contract coverage and supply continuity for critical equipment, materials, and services.Sourcing, Contracting & Commercial ManagementNegotiate commercial agreements for materials, equipment, and services supporting capital projects and operations.Support contract administration, supplier performance management, and post-award commercial activities.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required.Minimum 10 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management within energy, LNG, oil & gas, petrochemical, pipeline, power generation, or industrial sectors.Proven experience managing direct and indirect reports.Strong background leading cross-functional teams and stakeholder engagement initiatives.Experience negotiating commercial contracts, supplier agreements, and service contracts.Hands-on experience with strategic sourcing, RFP development, bid evaluations, supplier selection, and contract management.Experience supporting capital projects and large industrial construction or maintenance environments.Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, Coupa, GEP, JDE, or similar platforms.Advanced Microsoft Office skills.Preferred ExperienceExperience supporting procurement and sourcing activities related to:Rotating equipmentValves and instrumentationElectrical equipmentEngineering and EPC servicesConstruction and fabrication servicesTechnical consulting servicesOEM equipment and maintenance services