Software Category Manager

CMA CGM; Paris; On-site; EUR 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CMA CGM is seeking a Category Manager Software to lead the global procurement strategy for the Software category. You will drive sourcing initiatives, tenders and strategic negotiations, while ensuring performance and risk management.

You will directly manage a team of four software buyers in a complex international environment. The role requires a Master’s degree with 10+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and fluency in French and English.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of procurement experience with IT services, strategic sourcing or category management.
• Experience leading procurement professionals in an international environment.
• Strong negotiations, contract management and supplier relationship skills.
• Ability to build and execute category strategies with measurable results.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management, including senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the global procurement strategy for Software category, aligned with business and technology priorities.
• Analyze supplier markets, trends, risks and opportunities to identify cost optimization and innovation potential.
• Lead end-to-end procurement lifecycle: requirements, sourcing, tenders, negotiations, contracting and follow-up.
• Conduct complex negotiations with international suppliers to secure favorable conditions.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance reviews, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Collaborate with IT, Finance, Legal, Security, Compliance and business units in a matrix, international environment.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and governance standards across the category.
• Monitor performance via cost savings, service quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Coach and develop a team of four Software buyers; set priorities and drive outcomes.
• Prepare analyses and present results to leadership teams.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement strategy

Team leadership

Contract negotiations

Supplier management

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Paris 75_FRA

CMA CGM

Purchasing - Procurement

Permanent contract

Full Time

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group's shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

THE ROLE

The Category Manager Software is responsible for defining and leading the global procurement strategy for the Software category. He/She drives sourcing initiatives, tenders, and strategic negotiations while ensuring economic, contractual, operational performance, and effective risk management. The role also includes the direct management of a team of four specialized Software buyers.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ?

• Define and implement the global procurement strategy for Software category, aligned with the Group's business and technology priorities.
• Analyze supplier markets, industry trends, risks, and opportunities to identify performance levers, innovation potential, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Lead the full procurement lifecycle for the category, including requirements definition, sourcing strategy, tender management, negotiations, contracting, and contract execution follow-up.
• Conduct complex and strategic negotiations with international suppliers to secure the best commercial, contractual, and service conditions.
• Structure and manage supplier relationships, including performance management, business reviews, continuous improvement plans, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Work closely with IT, Finance, Legal, Security, Compliance, and business stakeholders within a matrix and international environment.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance standards, and regulatory requirements across the category scope.
• Monitor category performance through key indicators such as cost savings, value creation, service quality, risk exposure, contractual compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of four Software buyers by setting priorities, fostering professional growth, and driving collective performance.
• Prepare and present analyses, recommendations, and results to relevant leadership teams and senior management.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR ?

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Procurement, Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of procurement experience, including significant exposure to IT Services procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management.
• Proven experience managing teams and leading procurement professionals in a demanding and international environment.
• Strong expertise in complex negotiations, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrated ability to build and execute category strategies and deliver measurable business results.
• Strong analytical skills, results-oriented mindset, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize effectively.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, including interaction with senior leadership.
• Fluent in both French and English within an international business environment.

Come along on CMA CGM's adventure !

Information at a Glance

Rise in motion with CMA CGM Group: where ambition meets opportunity.

Join a global team of nearly 200 nationalities, shaping the future of global trade, moving essential goods, forging newpaths, and pushing boundaries to serve an ever-changing world.

The pace is fast, the challenges are real, but the rewards are greater: growth, purpose, and thechance to make a meaningful impact. Thisis more than a job. It's a journey on which you rise.

See how you can rise