Global Category Strategy Lead

Vertiv; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertiv is seeking a Global Category Manager to own the supply panel strategy and supplier management across regions. You will drive should-cost discipline, demand aggregation, and governance of long-term commercial frameworks to align with product roadmaps and enterprise targets.

The role requires 12+ years in procurement with a proven track record in category strategy, global supplier relationships, and cost reduction through data-driven analysis.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in procurement, category management, or supply chain in a global multi-national.
• Proven track record in category strategy development and execution.
• Experience managing global supplier relationships including LTAs and supplier performance management.
• Ability to drive cost reduction through should-cost modelling and value engineering.
• Strong commercial acumen and senior-level negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own supply panel strategy including governance, dual-source qualification, demand aggregation, and supplier consolidation.
• Govern long-term commercial frameworks (LTAs, MSAs, SOWs, capacity reservations, hedging); shift to outcome-based contracting.
• Coordinate with Product Line Leaders to drive early NPI engagement at Gate 0–1.
• Lead supplier innovation partnerships and co-investment strategies with key suppliers.
• Drive cost model governance: should-cost and TCO analyses across category spend.
• Oversee supply panel diversification and regional coordination for commercial alignment.
• Own Supplier Code of Conduct and Responsible Business compliance.
• Drive supplier segmentation: Strategic / Critical / Important / Transactional.
• Lead supplier negotiations and ensure competitive terms across regions.
• Implement supplier performance management for cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Category strategy

Global supplier management

Cost reduction

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

NPDI / product lifecycle

Tools

LTA/MSA/SOWs

Job description

Vertiv is seeking a Global Category Manager to own the supply panel strategy and supplier management across regions. You will drive should-cost discipline, demand aggregation, and governance of long-term commercial frameworks to align with product roadmaps and enterprise targets.

The role requires 12+ years in procurement with a proven track record in category strategy, global supplier relationships, and cost reduction through data-driven analysis.