Category Manager

Join Our Client as a Category Manager Hardware & Telecommunications

Location: Koblenz, Germany

Are you a commercially savvy procurement professional with a strategic mindset and a passion for delivering measurable value?

Our client is looking for a Category Manager to lead and optimize our sourcing strategy for their Hardware & Telecommunications category. You’ll work cross-functionally across international teams, drive cost efficiencies, and shape the future of procurement excellence across our regional business units.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Category Manager, you'll take end-to-end ownership of your assigned categories managing supplier relationships, negotiating value-driven contracts, and shaping sourcing strategies that align with our business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category strategies through in-depth market and spend analysis, stakeholder alignment, and innovation driven initiatives.
• Drive and deliver cost savings through strategic sourcing and demand management.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and procurement transformation projects.
• Leverage cross-border synergies by bundling volumes and optimizing supplier partnerships across countries.
• Own the RFx, negotiation, and contracting lifecycle from strategy through to implementation.
• Review and challenge supplier performance, renegotiate terms where needed, and continuously strive to optimize value.
• Proactively manage and rationalize the supplier base, fostering long-term, value-led relationships.
• Act as a trusted advisor to business units, championing procurement excellence and operational efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Fluent German Speaking
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Indirect procurement (with a strong grasp of IT, Hardware, or Telecommunications categories).
• Proven success in cross-country negotiations and delivery of significant savings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage internal stakeholders and lead through influence.
• Commercially astute with financial modelling and risk mitigation experience.
• Results-driven with a clear focus on supplier performance, delivery, and compliance.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to operate confidently at all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable navigating complex, international procurement environments.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and multitasking capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities with a hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset.

Why Join our client?

• Flexible Hybrid Work: Enjoy the best of both worlds with the flexibility to work remotely two days a week and collaborate in the office for the remaining three.
• Inspiring Workspaces & Events: Work from well-equipped offices in vibrant locations and be part of our regular team celebrations, including summer gatherings and festive end-of-year events.
• Continuous Development: Elevate your career through our in-house academy and a curated network of external learning partners designed to support your growth.
• Tailored Training: Access personalized training programs that empower you to enhance your skillset and drive your professional evolution.
• Future-Proof Pension Plan: Take advantage of our company pension scheme and invest in your long-term financial security.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and one of our consultants will be in touch with you to discuss the role in more detail.