Job Description

Purpose

• As Indirect Category Manager, you are responsible for the development and execution of category strategies that maximize value, reduce risk, and support enterprise-wide operational efficiency and transformation. You act as a strategic partner to business functions, contributing to performance improvement and enabling innovation through effective sourcing and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• You act as the main point of contact for key suppliers and are recognized internally as a strategic procurement expert for your indirect category.
• You can lead a team, and guide them in aligning sourcing strategies to business needs and global procurement objectives.
• You conduct market intelligence and benchmarking in collaboration with internal stakeholders to finalize sourcing strategies that respond to current and future business requirements.
• You support internal teams when supplier relationships are at risk (e.g., performance issues, service level disputes, renegotiation needs, exit planning).
• You define and deliver a category strategy based on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles, leveraging Preferred Supplier Lists, framework agreements, spend analytics, and risk assessments.
• You provide direct support in complex negotiations, using market intelligence, pricing models, and cost breakdowns to drive value.
• You identify and report risks & opportunities in the supplier market (e.g., vendor consolidation, technology disruptions, outsourcing trends).
• You define category-specific KPIs aligned with the Global Procurement Strategy and ensure consistent tracking, reporting, and performance management.

Education

• Master's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field

Experience

• Previous experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Supply Chain, with a focus on indirect categories (e.g., IT, Professional Services, Facilities, HR, Marketing, Travel).
• Proven track record in developing and executing category strategies that deliver measurable value in cost, quality, risk mitigation, sustainability, or innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders across business functions and act as a trusted advisor on procurement strategy, commercial models, and supplier management.
• Advanced negotiation skills with experience leading complex, multi-year contract negotiations, including framework agreements and enterprise-wide deals.
• Expertise in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), supplier segmentation, vendor risk assessment
• Deep understanding of sourcing levers, market dynamics, and supplier ecosystems relevant to your category.
• Solid experience in contract lifecycle management, supplier performance governance, and resolution of disputes or escalations.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project leadership skills with the ability to translate business needs into strategic procurement plans.
• Familiarity with eProcurement tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa, Ariba) and digital sourcing methodologies.

Functional Competencies

Commercial

Analytics and reporting

Business Acumen

Third parties relation management

Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Management

Contract Management

Negotiation

Product Costing

Risk Management