Category Specialist

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Category Specialist is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, supplier management, contract management, and cost optimization initiatives within the Business Services category. The role acts as a strategic business partner to functional stakeholders while ensuring delivery of value, compliance, service quality, and risk mitigation. As part of the Procurement capability development framework, the Procurement Specialist will progressively gain exposure and rotate across other strategic procurement categories including Supply Chain, Logistics, Raw Materials, Packaging, Capex and Commercial Procurement to build broad category management expertise and succession capability.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies for assigned Business Services spend areas
• Lead RFQ, RFP and tender activities in accordance with Procurement policies
• Analyze spend, identify savings opportunities and build sourcing pipelines
• Execute supplier selection, negotiations and contracting processes
• Deliver annual savings, cost avoidance and value creation targets

2. Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage strategic and operational supplier relationships
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and business reviews
• Resolve supplier performance issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Monitor supplier risks and establish mitigation actions to ensure business continuity

3. Contract & Compliance Management

• Lead commercial negotiations and support contract development
• Ensure contract compliance and utilization of approved suppliers
• Monitor contract expiration and renewal cycles
• Maintain procurement documentation and ensure audit readiness

4. Business Partnering

• Partner with stakeholders from HR, Finance, IT, Administration, Legal, Corporate Affairs and other support functions
• Understand business requirements and translate them into sourcing strategies
• Challenge specifications where appropriate to increase value and reduce cost
• Position Procurement as a trusted advisor rather than a transactional service provider

5. Category Performance & Analytics

• Develop category insights through spend analysis and market intelligence
• Track procurement KPIs, savings delivery and supplier performance
• Prepare management reports and executive presentations
• Support budget planning and forecast discussions

6. Procurement Capability Development & Category Rotation

• Build expertise across multiple procurement categories through structured rotation assignments
• Participate in strategic sourcing projects across categories including: Supply Chain & Logistics, Raw Materials, Packaging Materials, Capex, Commercial & Marketing Procurement
• Support cross-functional category projects at OpCo and regional level
• Develop broader procurement knowledge to prepare for future Category Manager and Procurement Lead roles

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Economics, or a related field
• 3-5 years of procurement, supply chain, finance, commercial or related FMCG experience and Category managemenet experience
• Experience in brewery or beverage manufacturing operations
• Experience managing sourcing projects and supplier negotiations
• Exposure to contract management and stakeholder management
• CIPS (or working towards certification)
• Experience working in multi-functional and international environment
• Knowledge of utilities procurement (electricity, fuel, water) and logistics contracts
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and procurement tools
• Exposure to global procurement frameworks and policies
• Good in English language skills is an advantage.
• Myanmar is a must