Regional Category Manager

Main Tasks:

• Develops and implements regional procurement category strategy in close alignment with the Global Procurement Category Manager (global categories) or Regional Head of Procurement (regional categories) and other Regional Procurement Category Managers
• Develops strong relationships and collaborates directly with internal stakeholders at all levels within the organization to understand requirements, manage buy-in
• Conducts market analysis on a regional level
• Leads local and regional negotiations and manages supplier relationships with key suppliers
• Supports major claims on a regional level in close alignment with regional and global Stakeholders
• Optimizes procurement category efficiency through product and process harmonization/ automation acting in close alignment with the Global Procurement Category Manager and Head of Procurement Excellence
• Reports regular global/ regional category results to the Global Procurement Category Manager
• Empowers procurement category teams in personnel and professional development
• Lead Supplier management strategy including supplier development, supply base consolidation and risk mitigation, cost reduction roadmaps and implementation of supplier segmentation plan.

Extensive leadership and communication skills:

• Aligns with Global Procurement Category Manager on global category strategy and results (e.g. supplier and price lists)
• Aligns with Regional Head of Procurement on region-specific category strategy
• Receives support in escalations of region-specific topics from Regional Head of Procurement
• Manages expectations and targets towards supplier negotiations for Sourcing Managers; ensures exchange of best practices with Sourcing Managers
• Manages supplier- and internal customer relationships on regional level; ensures sufficient sourcing/ supply

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
• 5-10 years of procurement experience with at least 3 years in a category management role
• Analytical skills with the ability to use a structured approach to understand, analyze and solve complex problems / issues
• Strong written communication and excellent oral presentation skills, and the ability to present convincingly at senior levels