Group Category Manager Business Services

pLindt Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company's actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa. /p pFor our Group Procurement Team, we are looking for a: /p h3Group Category Manager Business Services /h3 pUnique opportunity to further develop strategic procurement in Business Services at global and European level, defining and executing sourcing strategies and initiatives across all major spend categories (IT, Consulting, Retail materials and services HR, Insurances). /p pThis role offers career development opportunities in an international context. /p h3Activities Responsibilities /h3 ul liWork with Head Group Indirect Procurement and relevant Group and local functions, to define and implement sourcing strategies across the key categories in scope, (i.e. IT Hardware Software, Consulting, Retail materials and services, HR, Insurances), focusing on large Group suppliers. /li liDefine and implement a multi-year pipeline of value delivery initiatives across the key categories in scope, with the target of generating significant year-on-year value for the Group, without compromising on quality or service level /li liEstablish strong relationships with key stakeholders across the relevant functions, promoting and demonstrating the value of Indirect Procurement in their areas /li liProvide ad-hoc support and guidance for headquarter-related sizeable sourcing projects within Business Services, also outside of the major spend categories /li liDesign and negotiate master service agreements, in collaboration with the Group Legal department, establishing best-in-class commercial models in contracts /li liEstablish alignment with relevant local procurement teams on Group value delivery initiatives, as well as a clear collaboration model by category and initiative /li liRegularly exchange with local procurement teams, fostering best practice sharing in relation to categories in scope /li liProvide insights into the latest regional / global market developments for the major spend categories /li liEnsure relevant templates and tools are in place for all major categories and available for all Group and local stakeholders /li liUse e-sourcing tools or advanced sourcing solutions whenever appropriate /li liOrganize and facilitate cross-country / cross-functional workshops and meetings /li /ul h3Experience /h3 ul li5+ years of professional experience in a global / regional procurement organization, preferably within FMCG or food industry. Prior consultancy experience of advantage. /li liConsolidated procurement experience in indirect procurement, with solid experience in leading regional / global sourcing projects across some of the key categories in scope, i.e. IT, Consulting, Retail materials and services, HR, Insurances /li liExperience in complex negotiations with senior stakeholders, as well as in defining and negotiating different commercial models within the categories in scope /li liSuccessful track record of designing and implementing sourcing strategies in a decentralised organisation, delivering sustainable year-on-year cost reductions without compromising service level /li liProven track record in leading cross-functional teams on a change journey with discipline, transparency and authenticity /li liStrong project management experience and ability to deal with ambiguity /li liExperience in structuring and negotiating master service agreements, in collaboration with the Legal department /li liStrong stakeholder management experience; obtaining buy-in from central as well as local senior stakeholders is critical for being successful in this position /li liExperience in e-sourcing and other advanced sourcing tools like Sievo and Coupa relevant for the categories in scope /li /ul h3Qualifications And Education Requirements /h3 ul liUniversity degree in business / procurement or related fields /li liLanguages: fluent spoken and written English at business level; German, Italian or French - written spoken - of advantage /li /ul h3Preferred Skills /h3 ul liDemonstrated ability to collaborate with key stakeholders in multiple locations /li liStrong negotiation skills /li liWorking with teams across several nationalities and cultures /li liDown-to-earth work attitude, hands-on mentality /li liStrong presentation skills /li liStrong analytical skills /liliEntrepreneurial mindset /li liBusiness and financial acumen /li liExcellent social communication skills /li /ul pPlease note that we do not accept unsolicited applications or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any CVs submitted without a prior written agreement and assignment will be considered the property of the company, and no fees will be payable. /p #J-18808-Ljbffr