Global Category Manager - Directs

In this role you will lead the global procurement strategy for Finished Goods and externally manufactured products, guiding a multinational supplier portfolio. You will collaborate with Operations, Engineering and senior leadership to drive measurable savings, supplier development, and procurement transformation. You’ll ensure quality, delivery, and innovation while strengthening resilience through risk management and dual sourcing. A strategic, cross‑functional partner, you shape category strategy and long‑term value across geographies.

• Strategic global role with business impact
• Exposure to international leadership and supplier networks
• Flexible working arrangements
• Performance-based bonus
• Long-term career development opportunities

• Develop and execute the global procurement strategy for Finished Goods and externally manufactured products
• Manage a significant international supplier portfolio across Europe, Asia, and North America
• Lead strategic sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and long‑term supplier development
• Identify and deliver cost optimization while maintaining quality, delivery, and innovation
• Drive supplier performance through KPI framework and business reviews
• Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development to support NPI and lifecycle management
• Strengthen supply chain resilience via risk assessment, dual sourcing, and continuity planning
• Lead negotiations for complex commercial agreements
• Support ESG/sustainability initiatives across the supplier base
• Monitor market developments to identify opportunities and risks
• Align global strategy with regional execution with procurement teams

• Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related discipline
• Several years of strategic procurement experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Experience managing Finished Goods, Contract Manufacturing, Outsourced Production, or complex direct material categories
• Strong understanding of global supply chains and supplier networks in machinery, industrial equipment, automotive, or related sectors
• Proven track record of delivering measurable savings, supplier improvements, and procurement transformation
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leadership and cross‑functional teams
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities
• Experience managing international suppliers and negotiations in German and English
• Native or fluent German; fluent English
• Willingness to travel internationally

• Stakeholder management
• Negotiation
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Strategic procurement
• Supplier performance management
• Contract negotiations