Category Manager – Corporate & Outsourced Services

Aptiv; Dublin; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal holidays

Healthcare

Dental

Pension

Tax saver scheme

Free Onsite Breakfast & Lunch

Discounted Corporate Gym Membership

Job summary

Aptiv is seeking a highly motivated Category Manager to drive strategic sourcing and governance of outsourced services across multiple business functions. You will develop category strategies, manage key suppliers, lead sourcing events, and negotiate contracts to maximize value and mitigate risks.

The role emphasizes end-to-end sourcing activities, governance, and collaboration with stakeholders to deliver cost savings and innovative supplier solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFI/RFQ/RFP
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements
• Strong governance and supplier performance management

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for outsourced services across functions.
• Lead sourcing activities and supplier evaluations, negotiations, and awards.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships with governance meetings and reviews.
• Lead negotiation of SOWs, MSAs, and contract renewals with SLAs and incentives.
• Partner with business leaders to align sourcing strategies with priorities.
• Assess supplier risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate issues.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Contractual negotiations

Supplier relationship management

Outsourced service governance

Stakeholder management

Cost optimization

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Category Manager to lead the strategic sourcing, commercial management, and governance of outsourced service providers across multiple business functions. The role is responsible for developing category strategies, managing key supplier relationships, leading competitive sourcing events, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring outsourced contracts deliver maximum value, performance, innovation, and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

Category & Sourcing Strategy Develop and execute category strategies for outsourced services aligned with business objectives. Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFI, RFQ, RFP, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards. Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks. Drive cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives.

Supplier & Vendor Management Manage strategic supplier relationships through regular governance meetings and business reviews. Establish supplier performance KPIs and ensure contractual obligations are achieved. Identify and implement supplier innovation and continuous improvement opportunities. Resolve supplier performance issues and commercial disputes in collaboration with stakeholders.

Contract & Commercial Management Lead negotiation of complex commercial agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs), Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and contract renewals. Ensure contracts deliver appropriate service levels, risk protection, pricing structures, and performance incentives. Monitor contract compliance and proactively manage renewals and renegotiations.

Stakeholder Management Partner with business leaders to understand requirements and align sourcing strategies to business priorities. Influence stakeholders and facilitate decision-making on supplier selection and contracting strategies. Provide procurement expertise and market insights to support operational and strategic objectives.

Risk & Governance Assess supplier risks, including operational, financial, regulatory, cybersecurity, and continuity risks. Develop contingency and mitigation plans for critical outsourced services. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracting standards, and governance requirements.

Experience, Skills & Education Experience Minimum 7 years of experience in procurement Sourcing Category management, and/or supplier management, with a proven track record leading RFPs, contract negotiations, and complex supplier engagements Skills Strategic sourcing Category management Contractual negotiations Supplier relationship management Outsourced service governance Stakeholder management Cost optimization Risk management Education Bachelor's degree preferred; significant relevant procurement and supplier management experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational requirements.

Your Benefits @ Aptiv Benefits/Perks:

• Personal holidays, Healthcare, Dental, Pension, Tax saver scheme, Free Onsite Breakfast & Lunch, Discounted Corporate Gym Membership.
• Multicultural environment Learning, professional growth and development in a world-recognized international environment.
• Access to internal & external training, coaching & certifications.
• Recognition for innovation and excellence.
• Access to transportation: Grand Canal Dock is well-connected to public transportation, including DART trains, buses, and bike-sharing services, making it easy to get to and from the area.

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