Category Buyer

Make an Impact With Us

At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The Category Buyer is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing purchasing strategies that support North Region Mass Production facilities at the Vallourec Star locations. This role leads in strategically sourcing activities for critical services (equipment leases, safety items, facility management such as security and cleaning services, civil work and dust suppressants) to meet immediate needs as well as longer-term requirements.

The position interacts with a diverse stakeholder community, including Operations, Maintenance, Project Managers, Industrial Directors, Legal, and the broader Purchasing organization—and requires strong alignment with purchasing policies and procedures. The long‑term objective is to enhance stakeholder support, consolidate supplier volumes, drive common sourcing strategies, and maximize cost efficiencies while maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

Your Role at a Glance

• Collaborate with project teams to define and implement the most appropriate purchasing strategy for each project or work package.
• Effectively interact and communicate with internal stakeholders regarding supplier management activities.
• Identify and qualify the appropriate supplier panel capable of responding to RFIs, RFPs and RFQs.
• Develop optimal negotiation strategies based on risk analysis, quality, cost, delivery and performance metrics.
• Implement the Purchasing strategies for his/her scope in accordance with the definition made with both internal stakeholders and the Purchasing Manager.
• Use spend analytics and market intelligence to identify purchasing opportunities and drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Minimize supply risk and secure purchasing activities as required by project timelines or operational needs.
• Conduct purchasing processes including market analysis, technical assessment, risk evaluation and total cost analysis and project constraints.
• Partner with Internal Stakeholders and Legal to manage all aspects of the purchasing contracts and agreements including contract review, negotiation, writing and approval, release, compliance to terms and conditions, and contract compliance throughout the term of the agreement.
• Lead commercial negotiations, contract development and manage dispute resolution prior to arbitration.
• Ensure compliance with Delegation of Authority (DoA) and internal contract-validation procedures
• Monitor supplier delivery performance, including continuous improvement, innovations, and adherence to quality requirements, and overall execution throughout the project and/or contract lifecycle.
• Manage relationships between Vallourec and the suppliers in his/her scope, including supplier visits and assisting with the qualification and evaluation process as well as find, assist, and counsel prospective suppliers to enhance their abilities to compete.
• Uphold Vallourec’s Code of Conduct and promote safe and ethical business practices.
• Collaborate with other Category Buyers or Purchasing representatives for the procurement of items across related project portfolios.
• Comply with all EHS rules required for the work environment.

What Sets You Apart

We’re looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:

• Bachelor’s degree, with experience in Purchasing, Project Management, and/or concentration in supplier negotiations or a related field of study is a plus. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in a corporate environment.
• Strong capability to execute structured purchasing processes, including developing commodity strategies, market analysis, total cost analysis, and risk-based decision making.
• Ability to design and manage contractual frameworks aligned with project objectives and supplier performance obligations.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and customer service orientation.
• Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex technical and commercial discussions.
• Lead collaborative, cross functional teams to obtain competitive advantage for the local business units.
• Represent Purchasing on special teams and committees involving the organization or related areas.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to influence without authority.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, excellent developed interpersonal skills, effective negotiation skills, good understanding of cost-price analysis techniques, and a basic understanding of contract law
• Ability to read, analyze, and understand technical subjects, such as technical drawings, specifications, procedures, and process descriptions
• Ability to write reports and business correspondences, effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers
• Ability to calculate figures and work formulas to achieve amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, and various business KPIs
• Knowledgeable of ERP systems and proficient in Microsoft Office environments (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.)
• Must demonstrate leadership skills and desire to move to positions of greater responsibility

What Powers Your Performance

Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who:

• Communicate clearly and constructively
• Collaborate effectively and contribute to team success
• Adapt to change with a positive, proactive mindset
• Take accountability and show initiative in their work
• Demonstrate reliability and pride in performance
• Prioritize safety and act with awareness
• Embrace feedback and use it to grow
• Maintain high attention to detail
• Drive continuous improvement and challenge the status quo
• Support and develop others through shared learning

How We Support Your Success

We’re committed to helping you thrive- on the job and beyond. That’s why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
• Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
• 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
• Paid Parental Leave: For birthing and non-birthing parents, including adoptions
• Paid Holidays: 10 days, plus 1 personal floating holiday
• Paid Vacation Time
• Performance-Based Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Safety isn’t negotiable, it’s who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. We don’t cut corners; we set the standard. That means clear expectations, continuous training, and shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it’s a promise we make to every colleague, every day.