Category Manager

Optinova; Maarianhamina; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Optinova is seeking a Category Manager to develop sourcing strategies and manage a supplier portfolio for critical materials. You will lead category initiatives, collaborate with R&D, Engineering, and operations, and optimize total cost of ownership while mitigating supply risks.

The role requires strong analytical skills, manufacturing know-how, and experience in strategic sourcing. Fluency in English and Swedish is expected, with cross-functional engagement across global teams.

Qualifications

• Masters (MSc) in Chemical/Polymer/Materials/Industrial Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Review supplier performance, market developments, raw material prices, and risks; translate insights into actions.

Skills

Category Management

Strategic sourcing

Manufacturing technologies

Cost analysis

Excel & data analysis

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MSc in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

About the role

As Category Manager, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies that secure a competitive, reliable, and sustainable supply of business-critical materials and services. Combining expertise in chemical and polymer engineering with strong commercial judgment, you will create value through strategic supplier partnerships, cost optimization, risk management, and innovation.

Acting as a key link between Procurement, R&D, Engineering, and our plants, you will support business growth and operational excellence. You will manage an assigned portfolio of suppliers and categories—including, but not limited to, non-PFAS materials and compounders—which may evolve in line with business needs and long-term competitiveness.

Key responsibilities

What your day could look like

• Review supplier performance, market developments, raw material prices, and supply risks—and turn insights into clear actions.

• Shape category strategies and lead sourcing projects, from creating specifications and RFQs to supplier selection and contract negotiations.

• Meet and build strategic partnerships with key suppliers to follow up on cost, quality, delivery, sustainability, innovation, and improvement plans.

• Use your engineering expertise to assess materials, technologies, supplier capabilities, alternative sources, and total cost of ownership.

• Work closely with R&D, Engineering, Factories, Quality, Product Management, and Sales on NPI projects, material changes, and make-versus-buy decisions.

• Manage contracts, compliance, and mitigation plans for critical suppliers and materials to protect supply continuity.

What we are looking for

Education and Experience

Required:

• MSc in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.

• Professional working proficiency in Swedish and English, as both languages are regularly used for communication and documentation in this role.

• Experience in Category Management

• Experience in Strategic sourcing

• Understanding of manufacturing technologies.

• Cost analysis and should-cost modeling.

• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.

Preferred:

• Additional education or certifications in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, or Business Administration.

• Experience in Sourcing/Buying and with international experience

• ERP systems experience

Skills & Competencies

• Curious and eager to learn commercial and procurement disciplines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, we believe you are results-oriented with strong business acumen.

• Collaborative and capable of working globally and across functions, we believe you have excellent communication and stakeholder management skills as well as ability to bridge technical and commercial discussions.

• Structured and detail oriented while you are comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

What we offer

You will take on a key role with the opportunity to influence procurement strategy, supplier collaboration, and long-term competitiveness. You will join an international, development-oriented environment where technology, innovation, and business value come together.

If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you will need to present a valid work and residence permit at a potential interview.