Global Category Manager - Hardware/IT-Services (m/f/d)

As Global Category Manager – Hardware & IT Services (m/f/d), you will be responsible for the strategic procurement and category management of IT Hardware and IT Services across our global organization. This role includes functional leadership responsibilities and close collaboration with the Global Category Team Lead and Director. Your stakeholders are spread between cross-functional teams such as IT, Engineering, and Product Management. You will also be expected to manage relationships with Managed Service Providers (MSPs), to run complex strategic projects, and to contribute to the development of a cost-efficient and future-oriented IT procurement strategy.

Responsibilities

• Identify and drive initiatives for cost reduction and efficiency improvement on a global, regional, and cross-site level for IT Hardware and IT Services
• Contribute significantly to strategically valuable projects with high visibility at the executive level, while shaping the future direction of the IT procurement landscape
• Develop and implement procurement strategies for your assigned categories in close cooperation with the Global Category Team Lead and Director as well as cross-functional stakeholders
• Lead complex global contract negotiations with a focus on hardware procurement, service agreements, service level agreements, and managed service providers (MSPs)
• Support the implementation of sustainability and compliance initiatives in IT procurement
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define requirements and ensure alignment with business objectives
• Provide functional leadership and guidance to regional category managers, local purchasing and project teams
• Monitor market trends and supplier performance to ensure continuous improvement and innovation in the supply base
• Ensure alignment with global procurement policies and contribute to the development of best practices

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience in strategic procurement, preferably in IT Hardware and IT Services
• Strong knowledge of sourcing processes and supplier management in the IT domain, including MSPs
• Proven negotiation skills and experience in managing complex supplier contracts
• Ability to communicate effectively across organizational units and build consensus
• Profound skills in Excel and PowerPoint to structure your projects and communicate progress to top management
• Team player with assertiveness and excellent communication skills
• Fluent in English (mandatory); German language skills are a plus
• Willingness to travel occasionally (approx. 10%)

Join Our Team

Be part of a global organization shaping the future of mobility. We offer a dynamic work environment, flexible working models, and opportunities for professional growth. At Knorr-Bremse, your contribution to IT procurement will have a strategic impact.