Category Specialist Production Operations, Maintenance, Engineering & Projects (POMEP) at Sahara Group

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Category Strategy Development: Assist in creating and executing category strategies for production, maintenance, and engineering materials and services to align with operational and corporate goals.
• Project Procurement Strategies: Contribute to formulating category strategies for projects, construction, and facilities procurement that align with corporate objectives and project timelines.
• Supplier Management: Identify, qualify, and manage local and international suppliers to fulfill technical, quality, and Nigerian Content (NOGICD) requirements.
• Contract Negotiation and Administration: Assist in negotiating and managing contracts for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil engineering goods and services to ensure optimal value.
• Collaboration with Internal Teams: Work with engineering and operations teams to gain insights into technical specifications, maintenance schedules, and facility needs.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring: Track supplier performance and service delivery, implementing corrective actions as needed to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Market Intelligence and Cost Analysis: Conduct market research and cost benchmarking to optimize spending, assess bids, and facilitate procurement decisions.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure compliance with procurement policies, HSE standards, and regulatory requirements, including NOGICD Act obligations.
• Data Management and Reporting: Maintain accurate records and reports on spending, supplier performance, and category metrics to support decision-making.
• Facilitate Operational Readiness: Help ensure timely availability of materials, spares, and services to support maintenance planning and operational readiness.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Identify and implement process enhancements to boost efficiency, lower costs, and strengthen supplier relationships.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Control, Civil Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification (MSc/MBA) in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Engineering Management is an advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in engineering, production, maintenance, and engineering procurement within the upstream oil and gas industry.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, APICS/CPIM, or PMI are an advantage.
• Experience with local and international suppliers, Nigerian Content (NOGICD) compliance, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and procurement governance is preferred.
• Experience with ERP procurement systems such as SAP or Oracle and exposure to asset integrity/maintenance planning are added advantages.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of engineering, production, maintenance, procurement, and relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Good cost engineering, commercial, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with Oracle Fusion or other ERP systems.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, teamwork, leadership, and listening skills.
• Strong commercial awareness, attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
• Fluent in English with a commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing.