Strategic Category Manager - Europe Leader

ADB SAFEGATE; Zaventem; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Opportunities to shape the future of</

Job summary

ADB SAFEGATE is looking for a Strategic Category Manager to develop and implement innovative procurement strategies, manage key supplier relationships, and mitigate supply-chain risks. You will lead a Belgium-based team and report to the Strategic Supply Chain leader in Belgium.

The role requires a university degree, several years in strategic procurement, and strong negotiation and analytical skills. English fluency and strategic thinking are essential for success in a global environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in business, engineering, or comparable field.
• Several years of professional experience in strategic procurement, ideally global category management.
• Proven track record in developing procurement strategies and achieving cost savings.
• Experience in supplier management and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent analytical and communication/presentation skills.
• Independent, structured, results-oriented, with initiative.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global category strategies aligned with objectives and internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain long-term supplier relationships at global or regional level.
• Negotiate contracts and framework agreements to ensure favorable terms.
• Identify and mitigate supply-chain risks and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Business Line and Quality to align procurement strategies.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities based on Total Cost of Ownership.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Supplier management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

English fluency

Strategic thinking

Education

University degree

Job description

ADB SAFEGATE is a company that provides integrated solutions to airports, airlines, and ANSPs. We are proud to be leading the way with innovative and smart Airside 4.0 solutions that turn airports into smart airports, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the passenger experience. Solutions include airfield lighting, power and control systems, airport and tower software, docking automation, apron management, and aftermarket services. With over 1,400 employees and over 2,500 airports in over 175 countries, from the busiest and largest to the fastest-growing airports, ADB SAFEGATE is dedicated to making air travel safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. To learn more about ADB SAFEGATE and our innovative Airside 4.0 solutions, please visit our website at adbsafegate.com. Position Overview

As a Strategic Category Manager, you will develop and implement innovative, competitive procurement strategies aligned with ADB Safegate’ business objectives. You will manage strategic supplier relationships, negotiate complex agreements, identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities, and mitigate supply-chain risks. Working closely with global cross-functional teams, you will help drive operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable long-term value across the supply chain. You will lead a team based on Belgium. Reporting to Strategic Supply Chain leader in Belgium.

Responsibilities – What You Can Expect

• Development and implementation of global category strategies: Develop and implement long-term, innovative, and competitive procurement strategies aligned with corporate objectives and internal stakeholders.
• Supplier management and development: Build and maintain long-term, collaborative relationships with key suppliers at the global or regional level.
• Conduct supplier negotiations and conclude framework agreements to ensure optimal terms regarding price, quality, delivery times, and payment conditions.
• Risk management and compliance: Identify and assess supply-chain risks and develop and implement measures to mitigate and manage those risks.
• Collaboration with internal stakeholders: Work closely with various departments, such as Research and Development, Operations, Business Line and Quality, to coordinate procurement strategies and meet internal requirements.
• Cost management and value creation: Continuously identify and realize cost-saving opportunities based on Total Cost of Ownership, and develop and implement initiatives to increase value throughout the supply chain.
• Innovation and technology: Identify opportunities to integrate new technologies into procurement strategies.
• Reporting and analysis: Prepare regular performance reports and analyses and present results and strategic initiatives to management.
• Leader a team of buyer in the region.

Qualifications – What We Are Looking For

• A university degree in business, engineering, or a comparable field.
• Several years of professional experience in strategic procurement, ideally in global category management at an internationally operating company.
• A proven track record in developing and implementing procurement strategies and achieving cost savings.
• Experience in supplier management and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand and structure complex issues.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, as well as excellent negotiation abilities.
• An independent, structured, and results-oriented approach to work.
• A high level of initiative and personal responsibility.
• Business-fluent written and spoken English; additional foreign-language skills are an advantage.
• Strategic thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset.

What's on offer:

• A dynamic and challenging environment that encourages growth and learning.
• Opportunities to shape the future of our industry and make a significant impact on our company's business
• A collaborative culture that values innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.
• Competitive compensation packages, including health benefits etc.