Job Description

As the Category Lead for Software IT Procurement, you will play a crucial role in defining and implementing the overall procurement strategy for the Software category. This role involves managing a team of buyers, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and leading procurement projects from analysis to contract negotiation. You will actively support the IT department in budget planning and foster strong relationships with key suppliers.

• Overall responsibility for the IT procurement strategy and development for the Software category in a national and international context
• Functionally manage and guide a team of buyers within your category
• Identify optimization potential, such as cost reduction and efficiency improvement, and initiate appropriate measures
• Plan and execute procurement projects, including analysis, tendering, contract negotiation, and global roll-out
• Manage and enhance key supplier relationships by defining long-term supplier strategies and promoting supplier development
• Actively engage in the IT department's budget planning process and provide early input into the procurement process
• Monitor all procurement activities within your category and associated KPIs, including reporting to the Head of Global IT Procurement
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with stakeholders, other departments, business partners, and relevant interfaces
• Apply strategic thinking, strong negotiation and communication skills, and conflict resolution abilities
• Demonstrate decision-making capability, goal orientation, and initiative, combined with high problem-solving skills and assertiveness

• A completed university degree in business administration or a natural science field
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in strategic procurement, with at least 3 years in IT procurement for software or a related field
• Previous leadership experience in functional teams is required
• Strong project management skills in an international procurement environment as a Category Lead for Software
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint), ERP systems (preferably SAP), and e-Sourcing tools
• Excellent command of English and German for effective communication in an international work environment
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Analytical mindset with a focus on cost optimization and process improvement
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

With a fleet of 313 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.5 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has around 14,000 employees and 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 3.7 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 133 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between more than 600 ports on all the continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 21 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa. Around 3,000 employees are assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations in addition to the terminal activities.