Senior Category Specialist

Job Type:RegularPlains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.The Senior Category Specialist owns high-value, complex spend categories across North America and delivers measurable business value through strategic sourcing, commercial negotiations, and category strategy execution. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy and partners cross‑functionally to reduce total cost, manage risk, ensure compliance, and improve supplier performance across the full sourcing lifecycle.Experience supporting technical, operations-driven categories common in midstream or industrial environments is highly desirable.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Category LeadershipLead end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives (RFx, supplier evaluation, negotiations, and contract award) for assigned categoriesDevelop and execute multi‑year category strategies aligned to business priorities, market conditions, and risk profilesApply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles to sourcing decisions and recommendationsCommercial & Contract ManagementDraft, review, and redline commercial agreements, including service contracts and long‑term supply agreementsLead commercial negotiations to optimize pricing, terms, and risk allocationPartner with Legal and Risk to ensure contracts meet policy, regulatory, and business requirementsSupplier Performance & Relationship ManagementServe as the primary relationship owner for key suppliers within assigned categoriesEstablish performance metrics, lead supplier reviews, and drive corrective action plansIdentify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and value creation with suppliersAnalytics, Reporting & InsightsPerform spend analysis, savings tracking, and cost modeling to support sourcing decisionsDevelop clear, executive‑ready reports and dashboards to communicate results and performanceUse data to identify trends, risks, and optimization opportunitiesCross‑Functional PartnershipAct as the single point of contact for assigned categories, partnering with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and LogisticsTranslate stakeholder needs into sourcing strategies and executable plansProcess Improvement & GovernanceIdentify and lead initiatives to streamline sourcing processes, improve efficiency, and standardize best practicesEnsure sourcing activities comply with internal policies and external regulatory requirementsMaintain accurate documentation and support audit and governance needsRisk ManagementMonitor market, supplier, and geopolitical risks impacting supply continuity and costDevelop and implement mitigation strategies, including supplier diversification and contractual protectionsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, or a related field7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management (10+ years preferred)Demonstrated success leading supplier negotiations, contract management, and category strategiesAdvanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, SQL) preferredStrong analytical, communication, and stakeholder‑management skillsProven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results independentlyCleared criminal history (background) and satisfactory reference checksCompliance with the Company’s drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment D&A testing.This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employmentPreferred Category ExperienceExperience supporting one or more of the following complex, technical spend categories is strongly preferred:Integrity Services – including In-Line Inspection (ILI), Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), and leak detection servicesTank Services – including tank repair, cleaning, and inspectionElectrical & Instrumentation (E&I) – including field services, maintenance, and project based workChemical & Gases – including Corrosion, Drag Reducing Agents, Process Chemicals, and bulk gasesCore CompetenciesStrategic Thinking: Converts business needs and market insight into actionable category strategiesCommercial Acumen: Understands cost drivers, supplier economics, and market dynamicsNegotiation & Influence: Drives outcomes through effective negotiation and cross‑functional alignmentAnalytical Rigor: Uses data to support decisions and quantify valueCollaboration: Builds trusted partnerships across functions and levelsOwnership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for outcomes and executionWork EnvironmentOffice‑based role in Houston, TXOccasional domestic travel#PlainsAt Plains, our employees are our most valuable asset. Hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top-tier benefits program designed to keep our employees safe, healthy and happy. We work hard to deliver the best results to our stakeholders, and we also respect our employees' need for personal and family time, which is reflected in our benefits program.We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting View email address on click.appcast.io details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains’ compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process. Learn more.SummaryLocation: Houston, TXType: Full time