Procurement Category Lead Utilities

Purpose and Mission

• Manage a strategically important, complex and global product or services group by understanding global markets and trends that affect the product or services at a global scale and for each region.
• This role must have the ability to understand regional / local needs and consolidate to a global level the Bekaert volumes to develop the best leverage to negotiations with global suppliers.
• This role develops, manages & executes the category sourcing strategy globally. He/she will manage all activities related to global supply including contracts, commercial pricing, supply assurance, innovation and conflict resolution. He/She will implement the category strategy through alignment with all business units, technology and product roadmaps and manufacturing cost structure.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Category Strategy Development & Execution
• Define and implement the global category strategy for all utilities (electricity, gas, steam, heat & water). Ensure alignment with overall procurement and business strategy.
• Deploy the category strategy within the organization and establish a transparent follow-up and communication of the performance against the targets; report on regular basis on the progress of the key initiatives for the category in the PMO.
• Manage and coach the global organization of this category in order to implement the category strategy, reach the targets and reach process effectiveness and standardization.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities, risk mitigation actions, and sustainability levers.
• Execute the hedging strategy in line with the risk management strategy defined in the category strategy.
Category Analytics, Cost Management & Market Intelligence
• Track energy markets, pricing trends and regulatory developments across relevant geographies.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, hedging strategies, and demand optimization.
• Act as the true business partner by providing insights and recommendations to stakeholders on market developments and risks.
• Assure cost drivers are identified and TCO initiatives are developed (in close cooperation with the stakeholders). Analyze demand (business requirements incl. quantity, technical, …) of Bekaert globally within the category. Analyze historical and future business requirements of Bekaert globally within the category.
• Track and report on KPIs such as cost savings, energy consumption and sustainability targets.
• Drive continuous improvement within the category.
Sourcing & Supplier Management
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives (RFPs, negotiations, contract renewals) for energy contracts and utility services.
• Analyze and report proactively on the trends across the different regions in the Supply Market: industry landscape, market and supplier landscape (incl. price developments), benchmarking and all other relevant market intelligence for the category.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key energy suppliers, and service providers.
• Analyze the supply market within the category and identify cross-plant, regional and global opportunities for leveraging purchasing.
• Monitor Risk Management; assure technical developments and innovation projects (with suppliers) are executed.
Contract Management
• Lead the development and the implementation of the category strategy by leading the tendering and negotiation process for critical products or services to meet short and long term cost/saving targets, and by following up the establishment of contracts.
• Ensure contracts are optimized in terms of cost, flexibility, and risk exposure.
Stakeholder Collaboration
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders (Operations, Finance, Sustainability, etc.) to understand consumption needs and future requirements.
• Act as a trusted advisor on energy-related procurement topics.
Sustainability & Energy Transition
• Support Sustainability to implement the company’s sustainability and decarbonization roadmap.
• Drive initiatives related to renewable energy sourcing (e.g., onsite renewable projects, (v)PPAs and green energy contracts) as identified in the decarbonization roadmap.
• Ensure alignment with ESG commitments and reporting requirements.
Digitalization & Flexibility Optimization
• Drive digitalization across the category to identify savings opportunities.
• Leverage energy management software to identify potential
• Implement energy flexibility projects in close collaboration with engineering and sustainability.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Technical / Functional expertise: Strong expertise in strategic sourcing and category management, preferably within Energy & Utilities.
• Solid understanding of energy markets (electricity, gas, renewables), pricing mechanisms and contract structures.
• Experience with complex contract negotiations and supplier management.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to energy procurement.
• Familiarity with energy transition topics (e.g., PPAs, renewable sourcing, decarbonization strategies).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market trends, pricing data, and consumption patterns.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally (Operations, Finance, Sustainability, etc.).
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, including the ability to challenge stakeholders constructively.
• Ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in driving change and continuous improvement within procurement or category strategies.