Strategic Category Manager - Europe Leader

Adb Safegate; Zaventem; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic environment

Shape the future of the industry

Collaborative culture

Competitive compensation

Job summary

ADB SAFEGATE, Belgium-based, seeks a Strategic Category Manager to design and execute innovative procurement strategies aligned with company objectives. You will manage strategic supplier relationships, negotiate complex agreements, and drive cost-saving opportunities across the global supply chain.

Leading a regional team, you collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Quality to deliver value, mitigate risks, and implement sustainable sourcing practices.

Qualifications

• University degree and several years of professional experience in strategic procurement.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing procurement strategies and achieving cost savings.
• Experience in supplier management and negotiating contracts.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills, with excellent negotiation abilities.
• Independent, structured, and results-oriented approach; high initiative.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global category strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
• Lead supplier management and negotiate framework agreements.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities based on Total Cost of Ownership; drive value creation.
• Mitigate supply-chain risks and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Business Line and Quality to align strategies.
• Lead a regional team of buyers and report to Strategic Supply Chain leader in Belgium.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Negotiation abilities

Supplier management

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Structured approach

Initiative

English proficiency

Global category management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or engineering

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.