Global category Manager

Robert Walters Ireland; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global organisation is seeking a highly skilled Global Category Manager – IT & Communications to influence a spend of ~€200M from their Dublin headquarters. The role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and mentoring teams. The ideal candidate will possess 7-10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and a strong understanding of IT procurement categories. The position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus

Pension & private health insurance

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years' experience in strategic sourcing/category management.
• Strong knowledge in IT & Communications procurement.
• Demonstrated success leading global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead global sourcing strategies across IT & Communications categories.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts.
• Build strategic supplier relationships and drive value creation.
• Manage and mentor a global category team.

Skills

Strategic sourcing/category management

IT procurement categories knowledge

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Risk mitigation

Stakeholder management

Global team leadership

Education

Degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT or Engineering

MBA preferred

Professional supply chain certifications (CPM, CPIM)

Job description

A leading global organisation is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Global Category Manager – IT & Communications to join their Dublin headquarters. Reporting to the VP of Procurement, this senior-level role offers the opportunity to influence a global spend of ~€200M, while shaping sourcing strategies that directly support digital transformation and business growth.

This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced procurement leader with deep expertise in IT & Communications categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver global sourcing strategies across IT & Communications categories (hardware, software, cloud, telecoms, and consulting).
• Negotiate, draft, and manage supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with governance and risk frameworks.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, and value creation.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, and Business Units to align strategies with organisational objectives.
• Manage and mentor a global category team, fostering high performance and collaboration.
• Drive cost optimisation, efficiencies, and continuous improvement across the global portfolio.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive advantage.

Candidate Requirements

• 7–10+ years’ experience in strategic sourcing/category management, with a strong focus on IT and Communications.
• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT, or Engineering (MBA preferred).
• Professional supply chain certifications (e.g., CPM, CPIM) desirable.
• Strong knowledge of IT procurement categories: hardware, SaaS/cloud, telecoms, IT consulting and services.
• Advanced expertise in contract negotiation, supplier management, and risk mitigation.
• Demonstrated success in leading global teams and managing high-value procurement portfolios.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic influencing skills.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of €100,000 – €140,000 per annum
• Performance-related bonus structure
• Hybrid working model (flexible office & remote)
• Pension & private health insurance
• Career growth with global remit and senior leadership exposure

If this sounds like an opportunity you might be interested in, please feel free to get in touch with an up to date CV or reach out to Neil directly in total confidence.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates

About the job

Contract Type: Perm

Specialism: Procurement & Supply Chain

Focus: Supply Chain

Industry: Purchasing and Procurement

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Senior Management

Location: Dublin City Centre

Salary: €90,000 - €120,000 per annum + Bonus, Benefits, Hybrid Model

FULL_TIME