Category Specialist

Company:

Finning Canada

Worker Type:

Permanent

Position Overview:

The Category Specialist plays a key role in supporting Finning's Category Management team by driving strategic sourcing initiatives, executing category management activities, and delivering value analysis across all regions where Finning operates. This position is responsible for managing the end-to-end RFx and contracting process for assigned initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and supplier performance goals. Reporting directly to the Director of Procurement and Supplier Management, the Category Specialist contributes to building strong supplier relationships and optimizing procurement strategies to achieve operational excellence.

Job Description:

Major Job Functions:

• Supports the Category Manager to create value, drive improvements, and realize savings across the regions in which Finning operates. Executes the category management strategy that supports the company's strategy and Supply Chain strategy. Provides input and recommendations to the business including processes, systems and analysis of overall spending to identify new opportunities for savings and efficiencies. This will include various RFx processes as well as contract development and supplier performance management. (20%)
• Develops, grows, and maintains trusted and collaborative relationships with regional business partners, contracting team partners, internal stakeholders, and suppliers to ensure that Procurement remains as a valued partner, being appropriately involved in business decisions. (25%)
• Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with strategic, and critical suppliers to improve supplier performance and to ensure the most competitive total cost of ownership of goods and services is negotiated (20%)
• Develop, implement, and drive opportunities to increase utilization of suppliers through identification, communications, strategic sourcing, and progress reporting. This includes supporting the development and accurate use of a tracking and measurement tools. (25%)
• Understand regional procurement procedures, workflows and processes and determine opportunities for improvement and standardization across the organization. In addition, understand and ensure compliance with all applicable regional procurement laws and regulations including tax considerations (10%)

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of procurement experience, specializing in category management and strategic sourcing.
• SCMP designation or diploma in Business, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Proven ability to execute multi-regional or multi-national procurement strategies and manage functional interdependencies.
• Strong knowledge of end-to-end supply chain management, including inventory and procurement operations.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and MS Office; ability to quickly learn internal systems.
• Experience with ERP and e-procurement platforms (e.g., Ariba, Sage, DBS, Lawson, MRP).
• Skilled in spend analytics, cost-benefit analysis, and business analysis to drive value.
• Understanding of socio-political economics, taxation, accounting principles, and total cost of ownership concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and deliver category management strategies.
• Positive, customer-focused attitude with integrity, empathy, and resilience in challenging situations.

At Finning, we prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we actively encourage all individuals to express themselves and achieve their full potential. As a company, we continuously strive to enhance our outreach to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital and family status, and/or mental or physical disabilities. Furthermore, Finning is committed to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations /adjustments to individuals with disabilities. If you require an adjustment/accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please inform your recruiter.