Category Manager - Indirect Procurement

BDR Thermea HQ; Barcelona; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BDR Thermea Group is seeking a Category Manager for Indirect Procurement to own end-to-end procurement across sites in Europe. You will drive supplier strategies, negotiate high‑value contracts and align with internal stakeholders to deliver best-value solutions.

Location options include Bassano (Italy) or Barcelona (Spain). A strong track record in procurement, cost management and multi‑location collaboration is essential for success in this transformational role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of procurement experience in Marketing, HR, consultancy and engineering services.
• Experience across manufacturing and engineering environments preferred.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of managing large contracts.
• Confident communicator able to influence technical and operational stakeholders.
• Proactive, adaptable and able to collaborate across multi‑cultural teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement of products and services and site projects.
• Negotiate high‑value, complex contracts with service providers.
• Build supplier partnerships focusing on total cost of ownership, value and reliability.
• Develop and implement supplier strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive cost down and KPI attainment.

Skills

Procurement experience

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Category Manager - Indirect Procurement (location Bassano (Italy) or Barcelona (Spain))

Who will you be working with? The Category Manager role reports to the Global Procurement Manager - Indirect and will work with internal and external stakeholders across the group (Site Management Team, Site Procurement Teams, functional experts) to develop a coherent future-proofed supplier base strategy. They will work to support all sites across the Group, to develop, imbed and practise effective procurement techniques and strategies for the purchase of capital equipment. They will drive supplier performance improvement and develop Group Supplier strategies moving away from a local selection strategy. This will involve managing the relationships with Group Suppliers on behalf of BDR Thermea, as well as drive cost down and ownership of performance improvement. There will also be the opportunity to set in place supplier strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders. Build performance metrics, and performance against key costs, developing budgets, sustainability and performance related KPI’s.

Daily you’ll be responsible for, but not limited to:

Procurement ownership of delivering high-value, business-critical projects while gaining exceptional exposure to senior stakeholders. Work with functional stakeholders to understand business needs and partnering to deliver best value Procurement solutions for BDR. Refine a toolkit to support all future purchases. Lead end-to-end procurement of products and services, and site projects from supplier selection to contract management. Build strong supplier partnerships to ensure TCO, innovation, value, and long-term reliability. Negotiate high-value, complex contracts with service providers. Align closely with functional stakeholders to anticipate needs and deliver best-in-class solutions. Support local Buyers and teams to negotiate and strategize to procure good and services, ensure "should be" cost mentality and awareness of key drivers of costs to ensure value for money for all externally purchases. Provide guidance on best practice between the Procurement team, functions and finance. Develop a preferred supplier list for specific categories of responsibility, with agreed terms, schedules and measurement criteria/KPI’s Owns the supply strategy and cost down plans for the Category area Establishes service level agreements with end users, and key stakeholders in each location. Monitors supplier performance against milestones, informs relevant stakeholders about this performance and supports escalation of concerns if and when needed to Seniors within supplier. Enforces an ethical and sustainable supplier selection process considering key criteria to support business goals. Work with relevant internal stakeholder to create an annual budget planning preferred suppliers, timing, risk and resource.

About you:

We want to make sure you’re set up for success in your mission therefore required Experience is as follows: 5+ years' procurement experience in categories Marketing, HR, Consultancy services and engineering services. Experience across manufacturing and engineering environments preferable. Strong commercial acumen and experience managing large contracts and complex high power suppliers. Confident communicator with the credibility to influence technical and operational stakeholders. Proactive, down-to-earth approach with the adaptability to thrive in a transformational environment. Able to collaborate and communicate across multi-functional matrix teams across the multi-cultural Group Proficient in collecting, handling, analysing and presenting various types of data. Strong presentation and influencing skills.

Location and working hours:

Working in the office 3-4 days per week location Bassano or Barcelona. Ability to travel across EU for plant and supplier visits.

About the company

At BDR Thermea Group, we're bringing the energy transition closer every day. We're serving customers in more than 100 countries with the help of our diverse 6,000-strong team. United by a shared mission to bring a sustainable future closer through smart indoor climate solutions, we champion innovation, customer focus, and a cohesive team culture. BDR Thermea Group is a proud equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and inclusivity in our dynamic workforce. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to join us in shaping a more sustainable, innovative future for everyone.

Diversity and inclusion: We welcome each and everyone of the differences that make our people intrinsically unique and able to contribute to the growth and success of our organisation. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. At BDR Thermea Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are critical to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where every potential future employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Please check out our DE&I policy on our website to find out more.

At BDR Thermea Group, we don't just talk about making a difference - we live it every day. As a member of our team, you will be part of a company that is leading the way in the global energy transition, shaping the future of sustainable heating and hot water systems. You will have the opportunity to work alongside passionate colleagues who share our core values: One Team, Sustainable Future and Customer Focus and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to supporting your growth, development, and well-being. As a possible future employee, you can expect to be part of a purpose-driven environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Take the first step towards your exciting career with BDR Thermea Group and join us on our journey towards a sustainable future.