Category Manager - Marketing and Communication (f/m/d)

Hitachi Energy Ltd.; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Well-being program

Paid leave

Flexible work options

Financial security benefits

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Ltd. in Rotterdam is seeking an exceptional Category Manager to shape the future of our Marketing and Communication services portfolio.

You will drive strategic sourcing, build supplier partnerships, and lead negotiations to deliver cost optimization, quality, and reliability. You will translate global frameworks into local agreements, champion continuous improvement, and coach cross-functional teams across international lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced education/certifications a plus.
• 5+ years of experience, including at least 3 years in Supply Chain for indirect categories (marketing, communications, consulting, branding).
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships across functions and international teams.
• Strong contract-building and supplier-partner capabilities to deliver long-term value.
• Solid project management and execution skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of the supply network by designing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders and align procurement strategies.
• Drive quality, resilience, and value while mitigating risks.
• Lead high-value negotiations with key suppliers for favorable terms.
• Translate global frameworks into local agreements balancing flexibility and risk.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

MS Office

MS Teams

Power BI

SAP Ariba

Job description

The opportunity

We are looking for an exceptional Category Manager to help shape the future of our Marketing and Communication services portfolio. In this influential role, you will drive strategic sourcing initiatives, build high-impact supplier partnerships, and champion innovation across the category. You will play a key role in delivering outstanding value through cost optimization, quality excellence, service reliability, and operational agility, while skillfully navigating diverse regulatory landscapes. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, elevate business performance, and help bring bold ideas to life through world-class procurement leadership.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Shape the future of our supply network by designing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives through the CIPS framework, ensuring suppliers are equipped to support both today’s priorities and tomorrow’s ambitions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, championing sourcing excellence and fostering alignment with procurement strategies, processes, and best practices across the organization.
• Drive quality, resilience, and value by making informed decisions that uphold company policies and Hitachi Energy standards while mitigating commercial and operational risks.
• Lead high-value negotiations with key suppliers, securing competitive pricing, favorable terms, and long-term partnerships that deliver sustainable business outcomes.
• Translate global contractual frameworks into locally effective solutions, implementing robust agreements that balance flexibility, compliance, and risk management.
• Identify and cultivate high-performing suppliers by evaluating quality, delivery performance, cost competitiveness, innovation potential, and sustainability credentials.
• Build strong contractual foundations by developing and maintaining global and local agreements that align with Hitachi Energy directives and support strategic business objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement through cost-optimization initiatives, process enhancements, and the consistent application of SCM standards, compliance requirements, and best-in-class procurement practices.

Your background

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Marketing, Communication, Business Administration, or related field; advanced education/certifications are a plus.
• 5+ years of experience, including at least 3 years in Supply Chain for indirect categories (marketing, communications, consulting, branding).
• Proven ability to build strong, productive partnerships across functions, business units, and international teams, fostering alignment, innovation, and shared success.
• Established ability to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements, develop robust contracts, and build strategic supplier partnerships that deliver long-term value and support business success.
• Solid project management and execution skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Displayed strong leadership by empowering colleagues through coaching, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office, MS Teams, Power BI, SAP Ariba, and fluency in spoken & written English.

More About Us

We believe great work thrives in an environment where people feel genuinely supported and fairly rewarded. Our benefits are designed to create real value for every individual – fueling engagement, performance, and growth. By prioritizing well‑being, we build a workplace where personal and organizational success grow together.

The minimum salary for this position in the location specified is as follows:

• Italy: starting from 52.700 € gross per year as minimum salary

The final offer will be based on candidate location, skills and qualifications, experience, and aligned with internal pay structures.

This role may be open in multiple locations. If the salary information listed is not applicable for your current home location, salary details relevant to your location will be discussed with you at a later stage.

Our benefit offering is tailored based on your country of employment and generally includes:

• Competitive salary and incentives
• Well-being and care
• Paid and unpaid leave
• Flexible work options
• Benefits that support your financial security

You will receive more specific information during the recruitment process.

Publication date : 2026-10-20