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

Sahara Group is a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate with operations in over 38 countries across Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia. Spanning three decades, we have broken ground and challenged stereotypes across the global business landscape. The women and men who make up our organization are our strongest levers for growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Category Manager - Production Operations, Maintenance, Engineering & Projects (POMEP)

Job Identification: 457
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Job Schedule: Full time

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for production, maintenance, and engineering materials and services, ensuring alignment with operational and corporate objectives.
• Develop and implement category strategies for projects, construction, and facilities procurement, aligned with corporate objectives and project timelines.
• Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers, including local and international vendors, to meet technical, quality, and Nigerian Content (NOGICD) requirements.
• Negotiate and administer contracts for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil engineering goods and services to secure optimal value.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to understand technical specifications, maintenance schedules, and facility requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance and service delivery, implementing corrective actions where necessary to maintain reliability and compliance.
• Conduct market intelligence and cost benchmarking to optimize spend, evaluate bids, and support procurement decisions.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, HSE standards, and regulatory requirements, including NOGICD Act obligations.
• Maintain accurate data and reporting on spend, supplier performance, and category metrics for decision-making.
• Support maintenance planning and operational readiness by ensuring timely availability of materials, spares, and services.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen supplier relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Control, or Civil Engineering, or a related technical 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 of 12 years of relevant experience in Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation & Control Engineering with strong exposure to production, maintenance, and engineering procurement activities in the upstream oil and gas industry,
• 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.

Skills and Competencies:

• Solid knowledge of production, maintenance, and engineering operations within infrastructure-intensive industries.
• Strong proficiency in applicable industry standards and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated competence in cost engineering and cost management practices.
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in standard business productivity tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with enterprise and in-house systems such as Oracle Fusion and related platforms.
• Strong analytical rigor and critical thinking skills, with an open mindset and a commitment to knowledge sharing.
• Proven leadership capability with effective listening, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound negotiation skills, a collaborative team spirit, and the ability to work effectively across functions.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.

Application Closing Date
15th Febraury, 2026.