Category Lead

Are you looking for a career in an inspiring, global environment where your expertise makes a difference? At Neste, you will be working for the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, which enable our customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions

We are looking for you,

Category Lead, Technical Services, Procurement to our Procurement team in Maavslakte, Rotterdam.

You will focus on end-to-end category management of technical services for maintenance and investment projects for Neste Rotterdam Refinery. In this job you will work closely with Procurement, Maintenance and Investment Projects colleagues in Rotterdam and Europe.

In our team, you will collaborate on strategic sourcing initiatives, drive supplier performance, and contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our procurement processes. Together with you and your expertise, we can make an impact today and keep our promises for tomorrow.

Reasons to join

We operate in an inspiring and evolving business environment as a global leader in renewable fuels. We contribute to Neste’s success by living our values every day: we care, we have courage, we cooperate.

We prioritize safety at all times and in every location. We strive to create a positive and impactful work environment.

Transformation brings new possibilities and fosters our courage and curiosity. As a global company, we support personal development with versatile learning and career opportunities. Collaboration is key, and we believe in flexible, smart ways of working. We work at the office at least three days a week to ensure seamless teamwork and a sense of belonging.

More about the job

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for Technical Services (e.g., mechanical, civil, electrical and instrumentation works) based on market analysis, spend analysis, and stakeholder needs.

• Lead the end-to-end sourcing process, including information gathering, RFx development and management, negotiation, contract management, and supplier selection.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with maintenance and investment projects stakeholders to understand their requirements and provide strategic sourcing guidance.

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, assess their capabilities, and ensure they meet quality, cost, and service expectations.

• Negotiate, draft and review complex Technical Services contracts with suppliers to achieve favorable terms and conditions, including pricing, service levels, and risk mitigation.

• Monitor supplier performance (e.g., contractor safety, cost efficiency and others), manage supplier relationships, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Conduct regular market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the Technical Services categories.

• Collaborate with legal and risk management teams to ensure contracts comply with relevant policies and regulations.

• Drive cost savings initiatives and track realized savings against targets.

• Contribute to the development and improvement of procurement policies, processes, and tools.

• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies in Technical Services procurement.

The best combination to succeed in this role

• Master's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or a related field.

• Demonstrated ability to drive results

• Extensive experience managing complex procurement categories encompassing services, equipment, products, infrastructure, and maintenance, consistently driving significant value and efficiency improvements.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.

• Category manager on similar job experience 5-12 years

• Strong negotiation, contract drafting, and supplier management skills.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
  
  

Other strengths we value

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Knowledge of Technical Services in refineries, maintenance, investment projects and market trends and technologies relevant to Neste's Renewable business area in Rotterdam.
  
  

Let’s get you started

We look forward to receiving your CV and application with a salary request by the 27th of October.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the position, please get in touch with Niko Paavola, Head of Technical Services Categories, niko.paavola@neste.com,We will do our best to contact you within 2 weeks after the application time has ended. The recruitment process will include interviews and a possible aptitude assessment. The person selected for the position must pass a health examination including a drug test. A possible security clearance is obtained with your consent.

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) is the world's leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with production on three continents. Neste’s strategy focuses on growth in renewable fuels. The company’s renewables production capacity is expected to reach 6.8 million tons annually in 2027. Neste also produces high-quality oil products at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. The company has a network of nearly 1,000 fuel stations with expanding service offering, such as EV charging, in Finland and in the Baltics. Neste is included in many international indices for its sustainability performance. In 2025, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 19.0 billion. Read more: neste.com