Category Management Specialist

Support category strategies for industrial valves and instrumentation that optimize total cost, strengthen supplier performance, and protect project schedules.

LOCATION Suite 240, 4000 Glenmore Court SE
Calgary, AB T2C 5R8

REPORTS TO Procurement Lead

TEAM Supply Chain

BUSINESS Design-Build

Who you are

You combine procurement expertise with practical knowledge of industrial valves and instrumentation. At Startec Thermal and Process, you will own assigned categories from market and spend intelligence through sourcing strategy, supplier selection, commercial negotiation, and performance management. You can interpret technical requirements, identify commercially and technically viable suppliers, and make informed sourcing recommendations.

Working closely with Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Quality, and Finance in a fabrication and project-based environment, you will align supplier capabilities, specifications, approved manufacturers, material availability, and delivery commitments with project needs. You understand when technical deviations or substitutions require Engineering and client approval.

You take ownership, communicate risks early, and engage stakeholders before implementing sourcing changes. As one of our Everyday Mavericks, you will bring a collaborative and data-driven approach. Category assignments may rotate every 2–3 years to broaden enterprise capability and strengthen supply chain resilience.

What you bring

Required credentials and technical experience

- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant industrial procurement experience may be considered.




- 5–7 years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management experience, including meaningful direct experience sourcing industrial valves and/or instrumentation.
- Demonstrated technical familiarity with industrial valves (e.g., actuated valves, manual valves etc.) and instrumentation (e.g., flow meters, transmitters, gauges, and instrument fittings).
- Experience developing category strategies, conducting competitive RFQs, performing technical/commercial bid evaluations with Engineering, negotiating supplier agreements, and tracking measurable KPIs.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, excel, and procurement reporting tools.

Analytical, commercial, and collaboration skills

- Strong analytical and commercial skills in spend analysis, supplier segmentation, total cost of ownership, market assessment, and supplier performance measurement.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence teams across functions.

Assets: Experience in oil and gas manufacturing, industrial fabrication, or EPC projects; familiarity with ASME/API/CSA requirements, CRN documentation, MTRs, and NACE requirements; experience with Microsoft NAVISION and/or D365; SCMP, CIPS, or CPSM designation.

Why Startec Thermal and Process

Founded in 1976,



Startec is one of the most trusted names in fit-for-purpose thermal and process solutions. With a team of over 300, we offer full asset lifecycle services, including: upfront system engineering and design, equipment fabrication, maintenance, repair and optimization to organizations across North America.

We serve as specialist partners expanding the expertise and capacity of industrial operators, recent project development teams, engineering firms, and equipment manufacturers.

Sectors of focus include oil & gas, renewable energy, mining, industrial gases, petrochemicals, data centers, food and beverage, cold storage, and recreational ice facilities.

What you’ll be responsible for

Spend Analysis & Cost Optimization

Spend & Market Analytics

- Analyze category spend, demand patterns, and cost drivers to identify trends, consolidation opportunities, and areas for improvement.
- Use procurement and ERP data to support category strategy development and sourcing decisions.
- Maintain appropriate category-level metrics and insights to monitor performance and inform stakeholders.

Cost Optimization & Value Delivery

- Develop and implement category plans to improve total cost, availability, quality, and service.
- Lead RFQs and commercial evaluations, negotiate pricing and terms, and pursue opportunities in demand aggregation, standardization, alternate-source qualification, and framework agreements.
- Support cost savings and value delivery objectives, including tracking and communicating realized benefits.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Internal Collaboration

📌 Category Management Specialist (Calgary)
🏢 Startec
📍 Calgary