Head of L&S Category Management Automation, Storage and Packing Solutions

Maersk; København; On-site; DKK 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Maersk in Copenhagen seeks a strategic Head of Category Management for Automation, Storage and Packing Solutions to shape the category strategy and supplier ecosystem for its warehouse infrastructure.

You will lead a global team across Procurement, Engineering, Operations and Finance to improve investment decisions, drive innovation and deliver scalable, value-driven sourcing across ~450 warehouses.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management, procurement leadership, supply chain, engineering, automation, warehousing, material handling, storage systems or related field.
• Strong track record of developing and executing category strategies across complex international spend portfolios.
• Cost-deflationary mindset with proven leadership in strategic sourcing and high-value negotiations.
• Solid business and financial acumen including CAPEX, OPEX, cash flow, NPV, ROI, ROIC and total cost of ownership.
• Experience developing innovative commercial models including financing, leasing, service-based or performance-based arrangements.
• Ability to connect business strategy, operational needs, market developments and technology into executable plans.
• Experience building strategic supplier partnerships and driving performance, innovation and risk management.
• Strong stakeholder leadership across functions and geographies; influence at senior levels.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, geographically distributed teams.
• Growth mindset with curiosity about technology, data and AI.
• A relevant degree in business, engineering, supply chain, finance or applicable discipline.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop global category strategies aligned to Maersk objectives.
• Translate strategy into category roadmaps, investment priorities and sourcing plans.
• Link market intel and supplier innovation to long-term needs.
• Develop commercial models optimizing CAPEX, OPEX and lifecycle costs.
• Strengthen business cases with Finance, Eng. and Operations on total cost of ownership.
• Lead negotiations and sourcing across a global supplier portfolio.
• Build executive relationships with strategic suppliers and tech partners.
• Drive supplier performance, resilience and risk management.
• Coach and develop a high-performing global team.
• Establish governance and scalable ways of working across regions.
• Champions procurement as a driver of growth and capital efficiency.

Skills

Category management

Procurement leadership

Supply chain

Engineering

Automation

Warehousing

Material handling

Storage systems

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Education

Business/Engineering/Supply Chain degree

Finance degree

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Please note: This is a full-time, office-based role (5 days per week). Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Denmark. Relocation support is not available for this position.

Shape the future of warehouse infrastructure at Maersk

Maersk is an ambitious global growth company. We are expanding and transforming our logistics capabilities to provide customers with truly integrated supply chain solutions, and our global warehouse network is central to that ambition.

We are looking for a forward-thinking Head of Category Management for Automation, Storage and Packing Solutions to shape the category strategy, value proposition and supplier ecosystem supporting Maersk’s warehouse infrastructure.

Your global portfolio will cover automation, robotics, storage and racking systems, packing solutions and emerging technologies across approximately 450 warehouses, representing more than USD 200 million in annual expenditure.

Leading a team of Global Category Managers, you will work across Procurement, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Technology to improve investment decisions, accelerate innovation and build scalable solutions that support Maersk’s growth.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Own and continuously develop global category strategies tailored to support our business objectives
• Translate Maersk’s growth ambitions and warehouse network strategy into clear category roadmaps, investment priorities and sourcing strategies.
• Connect market intelligence, technology developments and supplier innovation with Maersk’s long-term business needs.
• Develop commercial models that optimise value across the asset lifecycle, including CAPEX, OPEX, financing, leasing and performance-based solutions.
• Partner with Finance, Engineering and Operations to strengthen business cases, total cost of ownership and investment decisions.
• Lead strategic negotiations and sourcing initiatives across a complex global supplier portfolio.
• Build executive-level relationships with strategic suppliers and technology partners.
• Drive supplier performance, innovation, resilience and risk management.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of Global Category Managers.
• Establish clear governance, decision rights and scalable ways of working across regions and functions.
• Champion change and position Procurement as an active contributor to growth, competitiveness and capital efficiency.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an enterprise-minded leader who combines strategic vision, commercial depth and strong people leadership. You create clarity in complexity, bring stakeholders together and translate ambitious ideas into measurable business outcomes.

You bring:

• Experience in category management, procurement leadership, supply chain, engineering, automation, warehousing, material handling, storage systems or a related field.
• A strong track record of developing and executing category strategies across complex international spend portfolios.
• Cost-deflationary mindset with proven leadership in strategic sourcing, high-value negotiations and complex commercial environments.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience with CAPEX, OPEX, cash flow, NPV, ROI, ROIC and total cost of ownership.
• Experience developing innovative commercial models, including financing, leasing, service-based or performance-based arrangements.
• The ability to connect business strategy, operational needs, market developments and technology into executable plans.
• Experience building strategic supplier partnerships and driving performance, innovation and risk management.
• Strong stakeholder leadership and the confidence to influence senior decision-makers across functions and geographies.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, geographically distributed teams.
• Resilience, decisiveness and a growth mindset, with curiosity about technology, digital tools, data and AI.
• A relevant degree in business, engineering, supply chain, finance or another applicable discipline.

You may come from procurement, logistics, engineering, automation, manufacturing, infrastructure or technology. What matters most is your ability to combine strategic thinking, commercial leadership and people development to enable profitable and sustainable growth.

The leadership we value

You see the future and translate it into strategic direction. You understand how commercial decisions influence growth and financial performance. You prioritise enterprise outcomes, create clarity and build alignment across organisational boundaries.

You lead change, remain focused on measurable outcomes and create the conditions for talented people to grow and perform at their best.

Why join us?

Based in Copenhagen, you will join a global environment and help shape the next phase of Maersk’s growth.

You will influence a strategically important investment portfolio, work with leading equipment and technology providers and help define the future of automation and warehouse infrastructure across our logistics network.

This is an opportunity to help transforming Procurement into a business leadership function that connects strategy, technology, suppliers and capital to deliver enterprise value.

If you are motivated by growth, energised by complex challenges and ready to create impact at global scale, we would like to hear from you.

Ready to shape what comes next?

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, perspectives and career journeys. If you do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply if you believe you can bring valuable experience and leadership to the role.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing [e-mail].