About the job
A leading German technology-driven industrial group is hiring a Global Category Manager – IT & Software Procurement to take ownership of strategic sourcing initiatives across software, hardware, cloud services, and IT professional services for operations worldwide.
This role is pivotal in shaping the company’s global IT supplier strategy, delivering cost optimisation, and ensuring IT solutions and services meet the highest standards of innovation, compliance, and performance.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement category strategies for IT procurement, covering enterprise software, SaaS, hardware, cloud infrastructure, data centre services, and IT consultancy.
* Partner with CIO, IT leadership, and business units to understand technology requirements and translate them into sourcing strategies that optimise cost, performance, and vendor innovation.
* Lead complex global RFPs, contract negotiations, and long-term supplier agreements with Tier-1 technology vendors and service providers.
* Drive supplier performance management through KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives across all IT spend categories.
* Monitor emerging technology trends, market developments, and cost models to ensure competitive advantage and vendor resilience.
* Ensure compliance with group procurement standards, IT governance policies, and relevant data security and privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR).
* Support strategic projects such as ERP rollouts, digital transformation initiatives, cybersecurity upgrades, and cloud migration programmes.
* Contribute to the company’s sustainability goals by selecting IT partners with strong ESG credentials and energy-efficient solutions.
Your Profile
* Minimum 5–10 years of procurement experience with a strong focus on IT & software sourcing, preferably in a global corporate environment.
* Proven success in strategic vendor negotiations, contract management, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimisation within IT categories.
* Strong knowledge of global IT vendor landscape, licensing models, and cloud service procurement (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
* Proficiency in SAP Ariba, SAP MM, or similar eProcurement/ERP tools.
* Strong business partnering skills, able to influence C-level stakeholders in IT and across functions.
* Fluent in English; German proficiency at B2 level or higher
* Degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT Management, or related discipline.