Senior Category Manager

Kerry Search Partners; Düsseldorf; Hybrid; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A global leader in industrial technology is seeking a Senior Category Manager to shape procurement strategies across EMEA. In this hybrid role, you'll collaborate with procurement teams and senior stakeholders to optimize supply chains and drive sustainability initiatives. Ideal candidates have over 7 years in supply chain management, strong analytical and communication skills, and are fluent in English and German. This opportunity offers a chance for significant impact in a dynamic international setting.

Qualifikationen

• 7+ years of experience in supply chain or category management.
• Minimum of 3 years in direct materials.
• Fluent in English and German.

Aufgaben

• Develop and execute category strategies for direct materials.
• Lead supplier negotiations and optimization.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and innovation.

Kenntnisse

Global sourcing expertise

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Presentation skills

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Oracle

Infor

Jobbeschreibung

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.