Category Manager Professional Services (m/f/d)

About the Team

Our Group Procurement team is small but mighty. A close‑knit group of category managers shapes Bauer’s global procurement strategy across diverse categories – IT, HR, and Professional Services. We partner with stakeholders across multiple countries and business units within a culture that is collaborative, innovative, and deeply connected to Bauer’s 150‑year tradition of transformation and digital innovation.

Position Overview

As Category Manager for Professional Services you will lead strategic procurement initiatives that impact Bauer’s global operations. The role is highly visible, giving you direct interaction with senior leadership and the executive board. You’ll influence how Bauer partners with top‑tier consultancies and boutique firms, ensuring value creation and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for Professional Services across Bauer’s global businesses
• Lead negotiations and manage supplier relationships with major consultancies and niche providers
• Drive cost optimisation and value creation while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement
• Collaborate with hubs in Germany, Poland, and the UK to ensure alignment and operational efficiency
• Champion innovation in procurement processes, leveraging tools like Coupa and emerging AI solutions

Qualifications / Skills

• Minimum 2 years in Professional Services category management, plus 1–2 years in other categories
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Fluent in English and German to a professional standard
• Ability to operate at Group level, managing complexity across multiple countries and business units
• Familiarity with AI‑driven tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) and Coupa
• Experience in the media or creative industries

What’s in it for you

• Individual solutions for flexible organisation of working hours and location
• Targeted and individual training for your professional and personal development
• A central location in Hamburg’s city centre with good transport options (bus & train)
• Subsidy for Deutschlandticket & bike leasing
• Effective health management (e.g., health week, free sports programmes & Wellhub)
• 30 days of holiday & frequent events for employees
• Company restaurant, free magazines & various discounts via corporate benefits
• A culture where personal responsibility, teamwork and creativity are valued and where you have room for creativity and exciting, challenging tasks

Company Overview

We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offering extends from print and online publishing to audio broadcasting and entertainment, alongside investments in other media related sectors. With more than 500 million copies sold each year, we are one of Europe’s largest publishers. Our portfolio includes popular publishing brands in Germany, UK, Poland and France – both digital and print – and spans 150 radio and podcast brands in nine countries. Bauer Media is family‑owned in its 5th generation, focused on the long‑term with a consumer‑first mindset that guides us across our diverse portfolio. Our workforce of 12 000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people’s everyday lives.

Contact

Your contact for this position is Robin (Serbanescu).

We are an international employer and equal opportunities are important to us. That’s why we welcome everyone in their uniqueness, regardless of e.g. religion, gender, skin colour or disability in our house.