Gradiant is a Different Kind of Water Company. With a full suite of differentiated and proprietary end-to-end solutions for advanced water and wastewater treatment powered by the top minds in water, the company serves its clients’ mission-critical operations in the world’s essential industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, lithium and critical minerals, and renewable energy. Gradiant’s innovative solutions reduce water used and wastewater discharged, reclaim valuable resources, and renew wastewater into freshwater. The Boston-headquartered company was founded at MIT and has over 1,400 employees worldwide. 

Discover us at gradiant.com.

Job Overview :

The Category Specialist – Indirect plays a key role in driving procurement excellence and optimizing indirect spend categories such as Travel, Facilities, IT, Professional Services, Insurance, Recruitment, and Laboratory Services. This role is focused on executing sourcing strategies, negotiating supplier agreements, optimizing 
cost structures, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Working closely with crossfunctional teams, the Category Specialist will support the development and implementation of category strategies, strengthen supplier partnerships, manage procurement processes, and deliver measurable business value through operational and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities :

Category Strategy Alignment

• Contribute to the formulation and execution of category strategies for indirect goods and services.
• Support the development of short-term and long-term objectives focused on cost optimization, supplier base efficiency, performance improvement, and service excellence.
• Monitor market conditions, supplier capabilities, and industry trends to ensure procurement strategies remain competitive and forward-looking.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify potential suppliers that align with organizational requirements and quality standards.
• Support the negotiation of supplier agreements, including commercial terms, service levels, and contractual conditions, to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Develop and maintain collaborative supplier relationships to ensure consistent performance, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Participate in regular performance evaluations, supplier scorecard reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Execution

• Execute sourcing projects for assigned categories, including preparing and managing RFPs, RFQs, tenders, and bid evaluations.
• Conduct supplier assessments and price benchmarking to identify opportunities for cost savings and value creation.
• Implement procurement best practices and ensure alignment with internal policies, governance requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.

Cost Optimization and Value Delivery

• Analyze spend data and procurement trends to identify cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
• Support the implementation of cost-saving initiatives through supplier consolidation, negotiation, and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure total cost of ownership (TCO) considerations are integrated into sourcing decisions.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Monitor and assess supply chain, financial, and operational risks associated with indirect categories.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce business exposure and ensure supply continuity.
• Ensure supplier contracts, procurement activities, and sourcing decisions comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Contract and Performance Management

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and managing supplier contracts to ensure compliance with terms, conditions, and performance expectations.
• Track contract performance, identify deviations, and work with stakeholders and suppliers to implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support audit, compliance, and performance reporting requirements.

Data Analysis and Insights

• Collect, consolidate, and analyze data related to category spend, supplier performance, and market dynamics.
• Prepare and deliver reports and dashboards to the Category Manager, highlighting performance metrics, cost savings, and improvement opportunities.
• Use data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Project Support

• Partner with internal stakeholders across departments such as Finance, Legal, IT, and Operations to ensure category strategies are aligned with overall business objectives.
• Support and/or lead cross-functional project teams focused on procurement optimization, supplier development, and process enhancement initiatives.
• Contribute to organizational goals by fostering collaboration, transparency, and communication across functional areas.

Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Procurement, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in SAP or similar procurement/ERP platforms.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence decision-making.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven insights and performance measurement.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project execution skills.
• Knowledge of risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Problem-solving, critical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• 5–7 years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, preferably within indirect spend categories.
• Proven experience in supplier selection, negotiation, contract management, and category execution.
• Relevant professional certifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Strategic Sourcing are preferred.

Gradiant is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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