Senior Procurement Category Manager EMEA (m/f/d)

Senior Procurement Category Manager EMEA (m/f/d)

Are you ready to take the lead on strategic sourcing across a global manufacturing network?

Our client - a global industrial technology group - is seeking a Senior Category Manager to drive category strategy and supplier excellence across EMEA. This role offers genuine impact, visibility at senior level, and the chance to shape a key materials category across multiple business units.

The Opportunity

You’ll join a well-established multinational that’s investing heavily in innovation, sustainability, and continuous operational excellence. Based in Düsseldorf , you’ll play a key role within the EMEA Supply Chain leadership team – defining, developing and executing sourcing strategies for critical manufactured components used across a diverse portfolio of industrial products.

This position will collaborate closely with global procurement, engineering, and operations to strengthen supplier partnerships, optimise total cost of ownership, and deliver measurable value.

Key Focus Areas

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for a defined group of engineered materials and components.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (engineering, production, operations) to ensure alignment between commercial and technical requirements.
• Develop long‑term supplier relationships in EMEA, ensuring resilience, quality and cost competitiveness.
• Monitor and respond to market trends, cost drivers, and supply chain risks.
• Champion continuous improvement and supplier innovation across the regional network.
• Contribute to global sourcing strategy development and implementation.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree-qualified (Master’s preferred) in Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven track record (7+ years) in category management, procurement, or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment.
• Solid experience managing engineered components (castings, moulded, or rubber‑based preferred).
• Strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to influence at senior level.
• Comfortable operating autonomously in a matrixed, international organisation with experience in doing so.
• Fluent in German and English (C1).
• Willingness to travel occasionally (approx. 25%).

The Offer

• Competitive salary package €90,000-110,000 (depending on experience).
• Global exposure within a respected, growing industrial group.
• Hybrid flexibility and strong career development opportunities.

I’m managing this search exclusively and all applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity further, please reach out directly for a discreet discussion.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries

Manufacturing, Engines and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing, and Machinery Manufacturing

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