Category Manager – Global IT

Hybrid, Garching near Munich

Amer Sports is looking for an experienced Category Manager – Global IT to join our IT Procurement Team. In this role, you will lead global sourcing initiatives across assigned IT categories, shaping and executing category strategies in close partnership with senior stakeholders across Group and Brand IT organizations. As part of the IT Procurement team, you will play a key role in driving sustainable value creation, cost efficiencies, and long‑term supplier performance within a defined global scope. This position offers strong exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to actively contribute to procurement excellence and transformation initiatives.

What You Will Be Doing

Global category management & sourcing

• Managing global strategic procurement of IT goods and services, with a strong focus on Software, SaaS, Telecommunications, and Hardware.
• Developing and executing category strategies aligned with the overall IT procurement strategy.
• Leading end-to-end sourcing initiatives, negotiations, and supplier selections on a global scale.
• Delivering measurable cost savings and value creation in line with defined annual targets.

Stakeholder partnership

• Collaborating closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across brands, functions, and countries to support IT projects and initiatives.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to Group and Brand IT organizations on sourcing strategy and supplier decisions.
• Aligning with regional procurement counterparts to ensure global consistency and leverage.

Market intelligence & supplier management

• Monitoring sourcing markets and emerging technologies to identify risks and opportunities.
• Managing and developing strategic relationships with key global suppliers.
• Ensuring strong supplier performance, innovation contribution, and long‑term value realization.

Procurement excellence & transformation

• Contributing to procurement transformation initiatives, including process improvements, digital tool adoption, and spend transparency enhancement.
• Promoting best practices in category management and strategic sourcing frameworks.

What You Need To Succeed

• 5–8 years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, preferably within a global organization of similar size and complexity.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Global Sourcing / Category / Commodity Manager within IT, Software, or Technology services.
• Strong understanding of category management frameworks and best practices.
• Proven track record of delivering sustainable cost savings with measurable business impact.
• Strong technology acumen; background in IT or technical disciplines is highly preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with SAP Ariba P2P, eSourcing platforms, contract management systems, and Microsoft tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, STEM, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Business‑fluent English required; additional languages are an advantage (German preferred).
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, self‑driven, and performance‑oriented mindset with openness to change and collaboration.

What’s In It For You

• Hybrid Work Model: Enjoy flexibility with 2‑3 days on‑site and adaptable working hours that support a healthy work‑life balance.
• Strong Team Spirit and Appreciative Culture: Experience a workplace with a strong team spirit and an open, appreciative culture, where you'll feel valued and part of a supportive community.
• Meaningful Projects: Contribute to responsible projects with dedicated teams, making a real impact and driving positive change.
• Smooth Transition: Benefit from a comprehensive onboarding program designed to help you integrate seamlessly into our organization.
• Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy flexible working hours and the option for mobile working or a home office setup.
• Active Lifestyle: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with a wide range of sports opportunities and access to our on‑site gym.
• Attractive Discounts: Benefit from compelling discounts on employee purchases for products of our own brands (including Salomon, Atomic, Peak Performance, and more).
• Corporate Benefits: Take advantage of corporate benefits, including discounts with various cooperation partners.
• Financial Security: Secure your financial future with subsidies for our company pension plan and employee profit‑sharing plan.
• Commute with Ease: Simplify your daily commute with benefits for public transportation (MVV).
• Eco‑Friendly Transportation: Choose sustainable transportation options with our job bike program, promoting a green commute and a healthier you.