We are seeking a strategic and commercially astute Category Manager to lead the Engineering Services category for a key client within the services sector. Based in Cologne, this role is pivotal in driving procurement excellence, supplier performance, and cost optimisation across a diverse FM portfolio, including hard and soft services.
Key Responsibilities:
* Category Strategy Development:
* Develop and implement a robust category strategy aligned with client objectives, market trends, and sustainability goals.
* Stakeholder Engagement:
* Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and client representatives to understand business needs and ensure alignment of procurement activities.
* Supplier Management:
* Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and performance management across engineering services.
* Contract Management:
* Oversee contract life cycle management, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and value delivery.
* Market Intelligence:
* Monitor market developments, innovations, and regulatory changes to inform sourcing decisions and drive continuous improvement.
* Cost Optimisation:
* Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality and operational efficiency.
* Sustainability & ESG:
* Integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into sourcing strategies and supplier evaluations.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Proven experience in category management, ideally within a complex or client-facing environment.
* Strong understanding of engineering services, supplier ecosystems, and contract frameworks.
* Excellent negotiation, analytic, and stakeholder management skills.
* Fluent in German and English (written and spoken).
* Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
* Familiarity with eProcurement tools and data-driven decision-making .