Category Specialist (Drilling, Completions & Subsurface (DCS)) at Sahara Group

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in Category Strategy Development: Support the development and execution of category strategies for drilling, completions, and subsurface goods and services to align with corporate objectives and budgets.
• Supplier Identification and Qualification: Help identify and qualify suppliers, including local and international vendors, to meet operational and Nigerian Content (NOGICD) requirements.
• Contract Support: Assist in negotiating and managing contracts for drilling rigs, well completion services, downhole tools, and subsurface materials to achieve optimal value.
• Market Research: Participate in conducting market analysis and cost benchmarking to support procurement decisions and optimize spending.
• Collaboration with Teams: Work alongside engineering and operational teams to gather information on technical specifications and operational needs.
• Supplier Performance Tracking: Monitor supplier performance to ensure quality and compliance with HSE standards, reporting any issues to the Category Manager.
• Regulatory Compliance Support: Assist in ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal procurement policies, including NOGICD Act obligations.
• Data Management: Maintain accurate procurement data and reporting to assist in category planning and provide visibility into spending.
• Process Improvement Identification: Identify opportunities for process improvements that can enhance efficiency and strengthen supplier relationships.
• Budget Assistance: Support budget planning and cost control efforts for the DCS category to help ensure expenditures align with financial objectives.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or sub-surface discipline preferably Petroleum Engineering, Drilling Engineering, Subsea/Mechanical Engineering, Petrophysics, Geo-science, or closely related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification (MSc/MBA) in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Engineering Management is advantageous.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), APICS/CPIM, or PMI are a plus.
• Minimum 3 years of upstream oil and gas experience, specifically in drilling, completions, or subsurface operations.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier management for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or civil engineering materials/services.
• Hands-on experience with local and international suppliers, including Nigerian Content (NOGICD) compliance.
   Experience in contract negotiation, cost optimization, and procurement governance in a regulated E&P environment.
• Familiarity with ERP procurement systems (SAP, Oracle) and asset integrity/maintenance planning is preferred.
• Knowledgeable in Subsurface, Petroleum/Drilling Engineering or SCM with upstream drilling experience.
• Skill proficiency in relevant industry standards and regulatory reporting requirements
• Proficiency in cost engineering