Software Category Manager

CMA CGM; Paris; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CMA CGM Group is seeking a Software Category Manager to define and lead the global procurement strategy for software, driving sourcing, tenders, and strategic negotiations in an international environment. You will manage a team of four software buyers and collaborate with IT, Finance, Legal, and Compliance to ensure value, risk mitigation, and contract excellence.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 10+ years in procurement, with strong vendor management, supplier relationships, and proven

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• 10+ years of procurement experience including IT services.
• Experience leading procurement professionals in an international environment.
• Strong expertise in negotiations, contract management and supplier relationships.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management; fluent in French and English.
• Ability to build and execute category strategies with measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the global procurement strategy for Software category, aligned with the Group’s priorities.
• Analyze supplier markets, trends, risks, and opportunities to identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Lead the full procurement lifecycle: requirements, sourcing, tender management, negotiations, contracting and execution follow-up.
• Conduct complex negotiations with international suppliers to obtain best terms.
• Structure and manage supplier relationships with performance reviews and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with IT, Finance, Legal, Security, Compliance and business stakeholders in a matrix international environment.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor category performance via KPIs like cost savings and service quality.
• Coach and develop a team of four Software buyers.
• Prepare and present analyses and recommendations to leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Leadership

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Procurement/Business/Engineering/Supply Chain/Management

Job description

Software Category Manager

Req ID: 575319 Posting Start Date: 19/10/2026 Paris, 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 !

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.