Category Manager EMEA - Steel (m/f/d)

Bramwith Consulting; Düsseldorf; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Global exposure

Hybrid working

Career progression and development pathways

Job summary

A global leader in industrial manufacturing is seeking a Strategic Category Manager in Düsseldorf. This high-impact role involves driving category strategy and executing sourcing initiatives within the EMEA supply chain. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years' experience in Category Management or Procurement, with expertise in steel and forgings. Responsibilities include managing supplier relationships and championing sustainable practices. A competitive salary of €90,000-€110,000 and hybrid working options are offered, along with strong career progression.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Strategic Sourcing.
• Strong expertise in steel, forgings, and similar commodities.
• Ability to operate in a matrixed, international organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for a key group.
• Partner with engineering, production, and operations teams.
• Manage long-term supplier relationships across EMEA.
• Track market trends and supply chain risks.
• Champion supplier innovation and sustainability.

Skills

Category Management

Procurement

Strategic Sourcing

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Influencing Skills

Fluent German

Fluent English

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related discipline

Job description

A globally leading organisation in industrial manufacturing is looking for an experienced Strategic Category Manager to drive category strategy, supplier excellence, and sourcing transformation across EMEA.

This is a visible, high-impact role within a world-class organisation known for engineering excellence, sustainability and technological advancement.

The Opportunity

Based in Düsseldorf, you’ll join a multinational group investing heavily in advanced manufacturing and sustainable supply chain practices.

As part of the EMEA Supply Chain leadership team, you will define, develop, and execute sourcing strategies for steel and forgings used in a diverse portfolio of industrial products.

You’ll collaborate closely with Operational Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to optimise total cost of ownership, strengthen supplier partnerships, and deliver measurable value across the network.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for a defined key group.
• Partner with engineering, production, and operations teams to align commercial and technical requirements.
• Build and manage long-term supplier relationships across EMEA to ensure resilience, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Track market trends, cost drivers, and supply chain risks to guide strategic decisions.
• Champion supplier innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement within the regional supply base.
• Contribute to the global sourcing strategy and its implementation.

What You Bring

• Degree-qualified (Master’s preferred) in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
• At least 5-10 years’ experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Strategic Sourcing within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in steel, forgings and similar commodites.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills at senior level.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, international organisation.
• Fluent German and English (C1) are essential.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (approx. 25%).

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary package €90,000-€110,000 (depending on experience).
• Global exposure within a respected, growing industrial group.
• Hybrid working from Düsseldorf and international collaboration opportunities.
• Strong career progression and development pathways.