Job description:
We are looking for a Global Category Manager IT to lead and deliver high-quality, innovative, and market intelligence-led category management across the global assigned spend area(s). This role involves building working relationships with key stakeholders, other category teams, suppliers, and external partners. The Global Category Manager will lead strategic sourcing to secure goods, works, and services that meet the needs of internal customers and users, ensuring value for money, compliance with relevant policies and procurement legislation, and generating efficiencies throughout the life of contracts. The role focuses on driving efficiencies, mitigating supply risks, and reducing the total cost of ownership through appropriate contracts and supplier relations.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage IT spend (approx. €30M across regions and group, including personnel)
* Define and execute strategy for services-related spend (non-IT scope to be defined)
* Develop a strategic overview ("big picture") for the IT category
* Establish supplier lists, exposures, contract coverage, lifecycle, services, and stakeholders
* Map total spend across the group
* Create and implement category strategy and planning
* Define, initiate, run, and complete RFP processes aligned with strategy
* Apply 80/20 prioritization and risk exposure analysis
* Identify and act on quick wins
* Manage and control the IT Capex pipeline
* Lead two major IT RFPs:
* Outsourcing of IT services (€7–10M scope)
* Selection of an integration partner for global ERP implementation
* Develop business cases for outsourcing in collaboration with stakeholders
Main Stakeholders:
* Procurement team including procurement finance
* IT team / CIO
* Local and central finance teams
* HR (central and local)
* Local and central operations teams
Profile description:
Required Experience, Skills and Competencies:
* 10+ years of experience in IT category management or related strategic sourcing roles
* Experience in strategic and tactical sourcing (RfX processes)
* Strong background in contract and supplier relationship management
* Proven ability to manage international stakeholders across IT and business functions
* Effective delegation and project management skills
* Strong negotiation skills
* Motivator and excellent team player
* Degree in commercial, engineering, or IT-related fields (equivalent experience also considered)
* Mandatory proficiency in English
We offer:
Benefits:
* Varied responsibilities with room for independence and personal accountability
* Attractive employment conditions with at least 5 weeks of vacation
* Flexible working hours
* Opportunities for professional development
* Discounted parking spaces
* Fresh baked goods daily and free beverages (coffee, tea, water)
* Discounts on our products and in our restaurant
Interested?
For further information, please contact Nina Deb, Group HR Specialist, at or