Contract Specialist - Materials

Here's what you can expect from us:

When you're a part of our team, you'll see how we bring good energy to our business and our employees. Together, we will support our corporate strategy, high standards and the communities where we live and work. Our collaborative approach, commitment to diversity and inclusion along

with our safety-first culture helps reinforce our internal brand position where People Matter. That's why we're dedicated to the development of our employees, so that they can reach their career goals.

What you can expect in a typical day:

The Contract Specialist - Materials manages the procurement of all major equipment items, provides materials procurement support to all capital projects and is responsible for the strategic management of key spend Categories for Whitegate Refinery. The successful candidate is also the lead/escalation point for expediting and logistics activities within the Supply Management team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic purchasing support to Project teams;

o Engage with Vendors to support development of estimates;

o Assist/advise in development of design;

o Identification of potential Vendors;

o Assist in preparation of tender packages;

o Resolution of any commercial/warranty/quality issues.

• Manage the tendering process from the Request for Proposal (RFP) package to contract award:

o Identify, qualify and select Vendors for RFP;

o Execute the RFP process;

o Undertake commercial tender evaluation and work with Engineering to ensure completion of technical bid evaluation;

o Lead negotiations to secure best commercial terms in accordance with technical

specification and project requirements;

o Negotiate terms and conditions for purchase, including Performance Bonds, Bank Guarantees, Liquidated Damage clauses, stage payment terms, terms of delivery, etc.

• Organize and chair clarification /kick off meetings with Vendors.

• Manage the production/fabrication cycle to address any issues and expedite on-time delivery.

• Manage the ongoing Vendor relationship including contract closeout.

• Category Management of assigned Whitegate Spend categories.

• Analyze and understand historic and forecast spend profile for each assigned Category.

• Develop and maintain market intelligence in each category under area of responsibility.

• Research, identify & qualify new Vendors based on quality, cost, service, solvency, reputation etc.

• Manage Vendor relationship and performance – act as escalation point for any issues.

• Liaise internally with Supply Management team to ensure alignment.

• Manage leasing/recovery of catalyst precious metals as required.

• Act as the point of support/escalation for expediting process.

• Carryout field expediting for critical orders.

• Manage emergency freight logistics for critical items (e.g. for LPO avoidance).

• Support for Inventory Management process.

• Cover Inventory Replenishment process during holidays/absence of Materials Supervisor.

• Purchase of ad-hoc materials in a timely and cost-effective manner as required.

• Purchase/lease of Vehicles, temporary facilities, etc.

• Manage “Req to PO” process following established Procure to Pay processes and Procurement Policy.

• Challenge, where appropriate, to ensure a business focus on right cost and identifying lower cost alternatives.

• Capture cost savings or cost avoidance.

• Resolve price and delivery discrepancies with Vendors and Accounts Payable.

• Provide input into Vendor performance reviews.

• Ensure all central status / control spreadsheets are updated as required.

• Maintain purchasing files as per control requirements.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Strong knowledge/understanding of process equipment and its components; knowledge of EU legislation as it applies to procurement of materials and equipment.

• Strong understanding of Procurement and Expediting processes.

• Good presentation and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to communicate and influence third parties.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to establish priorities, manage to planned outcomes and clearly document & communicate results.

Professional skills:

• Confident/capable when engaging with Suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Demonstrated competency in sourcing practices, negotiation and commercials. Knowledge & understanding of commercial frameworks and contract terms & conditions.

• Highest standards of ethics & integrity.

• Proven self-motivator who sets clear direction and priorities.

• Ability to coordinate multiple activities, prioritize tasks, respond quickly to stakeholders and resolve conflicting priorities in an efficient manner.

• Ability to manage change in complex environments.

• Demonstrated ability to develop wide and diverse networks & to foster effective teamwork and collaboration.

• Innovative & responsive with a passion for continuous improvement.

• Fosters collaboration and teamwork.

• Provides functional leadership and develops and mentors other in areas of expertise (e.g. procurement of major equipment items, Vendor management, etc.).

Education and experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in Engineering Procurement and Logistics roles.

• Experience in procuring Materials for the Oil & Gas sector is an advantage.

• Market knowledge of Suppliers’ capabilities & products and technical understanding of the materials being purchased.

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain or relevant discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Qualified as Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or equivalent.

• Good computer skills including knowledge of Oracle P2P functionality and MS/Office suite.

Application Process:

Please email your CV to [email protected] by close of business Monday 12th October 2026.

Irving Oil supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants