Senior Category Manager EMEA – Direct Materials
Haan/Düsseldorf, Germany | Hybrid
Are you ready to take the lead in shaping procurement strategies that drive real impact across EMEA? We are looking for a
Senior Category Manager
to join our sourcing leadership team, where you'll play a critical role in driving value, innovation, and sustainability across a complex supply chain.
About the Company
This opportunity is with a
global leader in industrial technology and manufacturing
, serving a wide range of industries including automation, motion control, energy, and power transmission. With operations spanning across continents, the company is known for engineering excellence, sustainable innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement. Employees here are empowered to take ownership, influence strategy, and collaborate with teams worldwide to deliver solutions that keep industry moving.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the
Manager of Sourcing EMEA
, this position offers a unique opportunity to influence and execute category strategies for direct materials at a regional and global scale. You'll collaborate closely with divisional procurement teams, product leaders, and senior stakeholders across operations and supply chain to design and implement strategies that optimize total cost of ownership while ensuring resilience, quality, and sustainability.
This is a highly visible role with direct influence on supply chain transformation, supplier partnerships, and senior leadership decision-making.
What You'll Do
* Develop and execute category strategies for direct materials across EMEA.
* Lead supplier negotiations, development programs, and supply base optimization.
* Partner with global and regional category managers to align on sourcing strategies, including BVC sourcing.
* Drive cost reduction initiatives, supply chain consolidation, and innovation.
* Influence design criteria and directed sourcing across multiple tiers of suppliers.
* Anticipate and respond to market trends with strategic countermeasures.
* Present sourcing strategies, performance metrics, and successes to the Senior Leadership Team.
* Champion continuous improvement and foster innovation within the procurement function.
What We're Looking For
* Bachelor's degree, preferably in Supply Chain Management or a related field.
* 7+ years of experience
in supply chain, operations, distribution, or category management, with at least 3 years in direct materials.
* Proven expertise in
global sourcing and multi-tier supplier relationship management
.
* Strong analytical skills with a structured, problem-solving mindset.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with SAP, Oracle, or Infor is a plus.
* Fluent in
English and German
.
* Ability to travel up to
25%
, including international assignments.
Why Join Us?
You'll be part of an innovative, international organization that values sustainability, operational excellence, and collaboration. This is your chance to make a tangible impact on supply chain performance while advancing your career in a dynamic, global environment.