H-1B Visa Category Buyer Jobs
Category Buyer jobs at H-1B visa sponsoring employers sit at the intersection of supply chain strategy and vendor negotiation, roles that typically require a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Employers filing H-1B petitions must certify a prevailing wage through a DOL Labor Condition Application before USCIS approves your status.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The Senior Category Buyer is responsible for strategically sourcing and managing energy (electricity and natural gas), thread protectors, and other assigned strategic categories for Vallourec North America facilities. The role supports immediate operational requirements while driving long-term value through category strategy development, supplier relationship management, risk mitigation, market intelligence, and total cost of ownership initiatives.
YOUR ROLE AT A GLANCE
Category Strategy & Sourcing
- Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies for Electricity, Natural Gas, Thread Protectors, and other assigned strategic categories
- Identify and execute cost reduction, value creation, process improvement, and supply chain optimization initiatives
- Lead competitive sourcing events, RFIs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and supplier selection activities
- Evaluate sourcing opportunities considering total cost of ownership, market conditions, operational requirements, and long-term business objectives
- Support the integration and strategic management of additional categories assigned by management
Energy Procurement & Risk Management
- Develop and execute energy procurement strategies for electricity and natural gas
- Monitor energy markets, price trends, regulatory developments, and supply-demand fundamentals
- Analyze fixed-price, index-based, and risk-management alternatives
- Lead the evaluation, development, and execution of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) opportunities and other energy transition initiatives across Vallourec North America operations
- Conduct market assessments, financial analysis, risk evaluations, and business case development to identify renewable energy solutions that support both economic and environmental objectives
- Coordinate cross-functional feasibility studies involving Operations, Finance, Sustainability, Legal, and external stakeholders to assess technical, commercial, regulatory, and contractual impacts
- Develop implementation strategies and manage project execution activities from opportunity identification through contract negotiation, approval, and operational deployment
- Monitor performance and value realization of PPA and sustainability projects, ensuring alignment with corporate emissions reduction goals, energy cost optimization targets, and long-term business strategy
Supplier Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers
- Conduct supplier performance reviews
- Lead supplier development initiatives and mitigate supplier risks
Contract Management
- Negotiate commercial agreements and contract terms
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and procurement policies
- Manage renewals, amendments, and commercial negotiations
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Legal stakeholders
- Provide procurement expertise and market insights
Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor market trends, supplier developments, technological advancements, and regulatory changes
- Develop category dashboards and performance metrics
- Benchmark suppliers and industry practices
WHAT SETS YOU APART
We're looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field; in lieu of a degree, 10 or more years of relevant experience is acceptable
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain roles
- 3+ years of experience sourcing energy, industrial consumables, thread protectors, technical materials, industrial services, or other strategic categories is preferred
- Working knowledge of electricity and natural-gas procurement concepts, utility/supplier billing structures, and commodity-market risk is strongly preferred
- Ability to understand technically specified products and evaluate supplier performance using total cost and productivity metrics, particularly for Thread Protectors and Strategic commodities
- Strong analytical capability with energy pricing, indexation, tariffs, consumption data, budgeting, and commercial scenario modeling
- Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance management
- Experience sourcing energy (electricity and/or natural gas), industrial consumables, tooling, thread protectors, or technically specified materials is preferred
- Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a matrix organization
- Demonstrated leadership, ownership mindset, and ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority
- Commitment to compliance, ethical sourcing practices, and continuous improvement
WHAT POWERS YOUR PERFORMANCE
Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who possess:
- Strong analytical, negotiation, financial, and contract management skills
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Energy Procurement & Risk Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management
- Market Analysis & Forecasting
- Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
HOW WE SUPPORT YOUR SUCCESS
We're committed to helping you thrive on the job and beyond. That's why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
- Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
- 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Holidays: 10 days plus 1 floating holiday
- Paid Vacation Time
- Performance-Based Bonus Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
Safety isn't negotiable, it's who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it's a promise we make to every colleague, every day.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The Senior Category Buyer is responsible for strategically sourcing and managing energy (electricity and natural gas), thread protectors, and other assigned strategic categories for Vallourec North America facilities. The role supports immediate operational requirements while driving long-term value through category strategy development, supplier relationship management, risk mitigation, market intelligence, and total cost of ownership initiatives.
YOUR ROLE AT A GLANCE
Category Strategy & Sourcing
- Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies for Electricity, Natural Gas, Thread Protectors, and other assigned strategic categories
- Identify and execute cost reduction, value creation, process improvement, and supply chain optimization initiatives
- Lead competitive sourcing events, RFIs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and supplier selection activities
- Evaluate sourcing opportunities considering total cost of ownership, market conditions, operational requirements, and long-term business objectives
- Support the integration and strategic management of additional categories assigned by management
Energy Procurement & Risk Management
- Develop and execute energy procurement strategies for electricity and natural gas
- Monitor energy markets, price trends, regulatory developments, and supply-demand fundamentals
- Analyze fixed-price, index-based, and risk-management alternatives
- Lead the evaluation, development, and execution of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) opportunities and other energy transition initiatives across Vallourec North America operations
- Conduct market assessments, financial analysis, risk evaluations, and business case development to identify renewable energy solutions that support both economic and environmental objectives
- Coordinate cross-functional feasibility studies involving Operations, Finance, Sustainability, Legal, and external stakeholders to assess technical, commercial, regulatory, and contractual impacts
- Develop implementation strategies and manage project execution activities from opportunity identification through contract negotiation, approval, and operational deployment
- Monitor performance and value realization of PPA and sustainability projects, ensuring alignment with corporate emissions reduction goals, energy cost optimization targets, and long-term business strategy
Supplier Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers
- Conduct supplier performance reviews
- Lead supplier development initiatives and mitigate supplier risks
Contract Management
- Negotiate commercial agreements and contract terms
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and procurement policies
- Manage renewals, amendments, and commercial negotiations
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Legal stakeholders
- Provide procurement expertise and market insights
Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor market trends, supplier developments, technological advancements, and regulatory changes
- Develop category dashboards and performance metrics
- Benchmark suppliers and industry practices
WHAT SETS YOU APART
We're looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field; in lieu of a degree, 10 or more years of relevant experience is acceptable
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain roles
- 3+ years of experience sourcing energy, industrial consumables, thread protectors, technical materials, industrial services, or other strategic categories is preferred
- Working knowledge of electricity and natural-gas procurement concepts, utility/supplier billing structures, and commodity-market risk is strongly preferred
- Ability to understand technically specified products and evaluate supplier performance using total cost and productivity metrics, particularly for Thread Protectors and Strategic commodities
- Strong analytical capability with energy pricing, indexation, tariffs, consumption data, budgeting, and commercial scenario modeling
- Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance management
- Experience sourcing energy (electricity and/or natural gas), industrial consumables, tooling, thread protectors, or technically specified materials is preferred
- Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a matrix organization
- Demonstrated leadership, ownership mindset, and ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority
- Commitment to compliance, ethical sourcing practices, and continuous improvement
WHAT POWERS YOUR PERFORMANCE
Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who possess:
- Strong analytical, negotiation, financial, and contract management skills
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Energy Procurement & Risk Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management
- Market Analysis & Forecasting
- Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
HOW WE SUPPORT YOUR SUCCESS
We're committed to helping you thrive on the job and beyond. That's why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
- Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
- 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Holidays: 10 days plus 1 floating holiday
- Paid Vacation Time
- Performance-Based Bonus Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
Safety isn't negotiable, it's who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it's a promise we make to every colleague, every day.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all H-1B Visa Category Buyer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Category Buyer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Category Buyer
Frame your degree for specialty occupation
Category Buyer roles qualify as specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a directly related field. Pull your transcripts and map your coursework to the job description before interviews so your employer can document the degree requirement accurately in the LCA.
Look up prevailing wages before negotiating
Your employer must certify your salary meets the DOL prevailing wage before USCIS approves the petition. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the correct SOC code for buyers in your metro area so you know the wage floor going into offer negotiations.
Target companies with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to identify employers who have already certified LCAs for buyer and procurement roles. Prior filing history signals that HR and legal teams understand the H-1B process, which reduces delays caused by employers navigating sponsorship paperwork for the first time.
Clarify multi-site roles before the LCA is filed
If the Category Buyer role requires visiting supplier facilities or rotating across distribution centers, each primary worksite needs its own certified LCA. Raise this with your employer before filing so compliance counsel can list all locations and avoid a mid-assignment wage violation.
Align your offer timeline with the cap selection cycle
H-1B cap selection rules have changed recently, so confirm the current registration window directly with USCIS before accepting an offer contingent on a cap-subject petition. If you're currently on OPT, calculate your cap-gap window to know how long your work authorization extends past your OPT end date.
Use O*NET to anchor your specialty occupation argument
The O*NET profile for purchasing agents and buyers documents the degree requirements and analytical duties that support a specialty occupation finding. Share this profile with your employer's immigration counsel when they draft the LCA and I-129 to strengthen the occupational qualification narrative.
H-1B Visa Category Buyer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Category Buyer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Category Buyer positions typically qualify when the employer requires a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a directly related field as a genuine minimum for the role. The key is that the degree must be a real prerequisite, not a preference. Employers who structure the position around strategic sourcing, contract analysis, and vendor performance metrics rather than transactional purchasing are better positioned to demonstrate specialty occupation status to USCIS.
What DOL wage level should I expect for a sponsored Category Buyer position?
DOL prevailing wages for buyer and procurement roles are determined by SOC code, geographic location, and experience level. Employers certify a Level I through Level IV wage on the LCA depending on the complexity and seniority of the position. Run the OFLC Wage Search using your city and the appropriate SOC code before negotiations so you understand what the employer is legally obligated to pay.
Can my employer sponsor me for H-1B if the Category Buyer role involves travel to supplier sites?
Yes, but the LCA must account for every primary worksite where you'll spend a significant portion of your working time. Short-term assignments at client or supplier locations under certain DOL rules may not require separate LCA filings, but recurring or long-term work at a site that wasn't listed on the original LCA does. Confirm the worksite structure with your employer's counsel before the LCA is certified.
How long does H-1B status last for a Category Buyer job, and can it be extended?
H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years. Extensions beyond six years are possible only if you've reached a specific milestone in an employment-based green card process. If your employer plans to sponsor you for permanent residence, starting the PERM labor certification process early gives you the best chance of qualifying for those extended stays.
How do I find Category Buyer employers who actively sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate shows employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for procurement and buyer roles, so you can focus your applications on companies that have already committed to sponsoring this type of position. Prior LCA filings in your occupation are the strongest signal that an employer's HR and legal teams are prepared to move through the process without delays.