Global Category Manager (m/f/d)

Global Category Leader (Procurement) - International B2B Leader - €100-125k package

I'm partnering with a well-established international German organisation that is quietly reshaping how its procurement function operates - moving from fragmented buying to a clear, empowered, central model. This is a senior category leadership role for someone who has done this before, enjoys commercial ownership as well as hands-on negotiation, and can confidently operate among very senior stakeholders.

Why this role is interesting

• You'll step into a newly clarified category ownership model , with genuine authority to shape how things are done.
• This is not a purely strategic ivory-tower role - you will negotiate, challenge suppliers, guide senior buyers, and still build trust-based partnerships.
• You'll work alongside very experienced procurement leaders who don't need managing, but do need a peer with presence, judgment, and backbone.
• The culture is pragmatic, forward-thinking, and people-first - the company environment promotes agility, outcomes, inclusivity and innovation.

The job

• Take end-to-end ownership of a globally relevant procurement category
• Design and evolve category structure, supplier landscape, and commercial approach
• Act as the functional lead for senior buyers and local purchasing teams (formal line management may follow)
• Lead negotiations, resolve pricing escalations, and set the tone with key vendors
• Build processes where neededBalance global consistency with local realities
• Operate comfortably with VP-level leadership and country heads

Who tends to succeed here

• A senior Category Manager / Head of Category who is still commercially sharp and enjoys supplier interaction
• Someone confident enough to challenge experienced peers respectfully and effectively
• Strong negotiator - firm, fair, and relationship-savvy
• Has built or rebuilt category structures before, not just inherited them
• Relishes ambiguity and influence rather than rigid hierarchy
• International mindset; English is essential, German might be helpful but not required
• Living and right to work in Germany already
• Primary base: Stuttgart region (hybrid and flexible: typically 2-3 days on site, flexed monthly rather than weekly)
• Some travel, but infrequent and not necessarily each month
• Compensation typically lands around €100-120k , with flexibility for a strong match from the exact same industry

Feel free to send your CV to for more details.