Senior Category Manager - Digital Products & Services (m/f/d)

Vorwerk Engineering; Wuppertal; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hybrid work options

Company pension plan

30 days vacation

Job-Bike Leasing

Job summary

Vorwerk Engineering in Germany seeks a Category Manager for Digital Products and Services within Strategic Purchasing. You will develop procurement strategies, evaluate supplier proposals for digital platforms, and shape contracting models to fit agile, scalable delivery.

You will partner with Digital Initiatives, Operations, Engineering, Data Protection, Legal and Controlling to own end-to-end procurement and drive cost optimization while ensuring compliance with company policies.

Qualifications

• Degree in information technology, business administration or related field.
• Extensive procurement experience in digital products, IT services and cloud/software.
• Strong knowledge of various commercial and contracting models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with Vorwerk's digital ecosystem.
• Request, compare, and evaluate supplier proposals for digital products, cloud platforms, data & AI services.
• Shape sourcing approaches and contracting models for agile innovation and scalable operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage key suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation.
• Act as procurement partner for internal stakeholders and collaborate with Digital, Operations, Engineering, Legal, and Controlling.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement strategy

Contract management

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Data analysis

English proficiency

Travel flexibility

Education

Degree in IT or business

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Innovation, digital transformation, smart living – we are shaping the future of connected premium household appliances and digital services. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life wherever our customers call home.

With over 140 years of engineering expertise and a clear focus on agile methods and innovative technologies, we build sustainable, trust-based relationships with our customers. We are a dynamic, internationally successful group offering a creative work environment, social protection, and a range of benefits that support work-life balance.

Shape the future of Vorwerk with us. Learn more at https://jobs.vorwerkgroup.com/

Your Responsibilities

• Category Manager for Digital Products and Services within Strategic Purchasing
• Procurement Strategy: Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the company's goals, business objectives and Vorwerk's growing digital ecosystem
• Sourcing: Request, compare, and evaluate supplier proposals for digital products, cloud platforms, data & AI environments, and related digital services based on commercial, technical, legal and qualitative criteria
• Contracting & Delivery Models: Shape sourcing and contracting approaches that fit different delivery models, ranging from exploratory and agile innovation settings to scalable execution and operations
• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage key suppliers to ensure quality, performance, cost-effectiveness, and innovation
• Business Partnering: Act as a trusted procurement partner for internal stakeholders and collaborate closely with functions such as Digital Initiative & Platforms Teams, Operations, Engineering, Data Protection, Information Security, Legal, Controlling, Accounting, etc.
• End-to-End Responsibility: Take ownership of procurement topics across the end-to-end process and ensure seamless coordination from demand definition to implementation
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to follow industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive offerings
• Cost Optimization: Drive cost savings initiatives through effective negotiation, strategic sourcing, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all procurement activities comply with legal, regulatory, and company policies.

Your Profile

• Educational Background: Degree in information technology, business administration, or a related field.
• Procurement Experience: Extensive experience in procurement, specifically within the area of digital products, IT services, cloud and software solutions as well as a good understanding of different commercial and contracting models
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of software licensing, software development services, and the procurement of digital products as well as a strong affinity for digital platforms, cloud environments, and data/AI-related contexts, with ability to quickly adapt to new technologies
• Workplace Tools & Processes: Confident use of common (procurement) tools (e.g. SAP, MS office applications) & solid knowledge of procurement processes (P2S, S2C & P2P)
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and contract management skills with the ability to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Analytical Abilities: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Communication & Networking Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence your stakeholders and foster collaborative relationships
• Pragmatism: Hands-on, pragmatic, and proactive working style with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Personal Attributes: Team player, responsible, resilient, flexible with a high level of commitment.
• Language Skills: Fluent in English, both written and spoken
• Flexibility to travel required

Benefits

• Exciting challenges & career growth: Take on impactful challenges in an agile environment and actively shape your professional development.
• Team success & continuous learning: We believe in collaboration, shared achievements, and fostering a culture of ongoing learning and growth.
• Flexibility that fits your life: Enjoy flexible working hours with flextime options, additional flex days, and 30 days of vacation.
• Hybrid work options: Work remotely within a defined framework for a better work-life balance.
• Attractive benefits for your future: Take advantage of our company pension plan and time value account for more financial security and flexibility.
• Family-friendly perks: Benefit from employee discounts, childcare subsidies, and support for professional development in a family-owned company.
• Health & well-being: From corporate health insurance and on-site medical care to a variety of fitness programs including a Job-Bike Leasing – your well-being is our priority.
• Sustainable commuting: Enjoy discounted job tickets, free parking, and charging stations for e-cars and e-bikes.
• Delicious food & snacks: Subsidized snacks and diverse menu options ensure you're well taken care of at work.