Category Manager

UTM Consultants; Nijmegen; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics consulting firm in Gelderland is seeking a Category Manager to develop and implement category strategies for specific materials. The role involves stakeholder management and ensuring effective supplier relations, contributing to the sustainability of the Dutch high-voltage network. The ideal candidate has a degree in Supply Chain Management, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills in Dutch and English. The position is full-time and requires office presence multiple times a week.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Supply Chain Management and/or Procurement.
• Experience with EU tenders.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to convince stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for specific materials and installations.
• Proactively manage internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers.
• Conduct supplier meetings and visits and ensure implementation of agreements.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Negotiation skills

Strong communication skills

Proactive

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management and/or Procurement

Job description

Category Manager

As a Category Manager, you’ll be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies for specific materials and installations. You’ll ensure our client receives efficient and effective support from suppliers and internal stakeholders.

You’ll work closely with external suppliers, asset specialists, and various teams from Large Project Netherlands and Grid Field Netherlands to ensure efficient collaboration and that all project goals are achieved. You’ll play a crucial role in improving processes and maintaining strong relationships within the broader project team and with our partners.

Responsibilities

• Development of category strategies: develop and implement strategies for specific materials and installations, manage accreditation schemes and carry out EU tenders.
• Stakeholder management: proactively manage internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, to ensure all interests are considered in the category strategy.
• Supplier relations: conduct supplier meetings and visits and ensure implementation and follow‑up of framework agreements.
• Innovation and optimization: actively contribute to innovation themes such as standardization, digitalization, data, and sustainability.
• Escalation point: act as an escalation point for structural issues within a specific category.
• Contribution: support modernization, expansion and sustainability of the Dutch high‑voltage network.

Qualifications

• Degree (Bachelor/Master) preferably in Supply Chain Management and/or Procurement.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Supply Chain Management and/or Procurement, preferably Category Management.
• Experience with EU tenders.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to convince stakeholders of the category strategy.
• Independent and initiative‑driven, but able to work well within a team.
• Strong communication skills and excellent command of Dutch and English; English is a plus.
• Strong stakeholder management, building and maintaining relationships.
• Good negotiation skills, results‑oriented and strong in relationships.
• Analytical thinking, quick connection and strategic thinking.
• Clear communication, convincing towards internal and external parties.
• Proactive, ownership, initiative.
• Collaborative in multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Flexible and stress‑resistant, adapts easily to changing priorities.
• Accurate, detail‑oriented in contracts and tender documentation.

Practical Information

• Location: Arnhem, MCE; 2x per week at the office – Wednesday fixed day.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Supply Chain

Industries

Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage