Category Manager | Direct Materials (m/f/d)

HRK S.A.; Warszawa; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

HRK S.A. is recruiting a Category Manager for Direct Materials in Warsaw. The role combines strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration across European markets, with on-site presence required.

You will lead negotiations, supplier development, and cost optimization while aligning with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Operations teams to support growth and new product development.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in procurement, sourcing or category management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success in supplier negotiations and supplier relationship management.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chains.
• Experience working with technical products, industrial components or raw materials.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers and procurement projects simultaneously.
• Experience using ERP systems and procurement tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Availability for regular travel across Europe.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers across European and international markets.
• Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, commercial agreements, payment terms and supply conditions.
• Build and maintain long-term supplier partnerships focused on quality, cost efficiency and supply reliability.
• Monitor supplier performance and support supplier development initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Operations teams.
• Manage sourcing projects supporting business growth and new product development.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities and raw material developments.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier diversification and risk mitigation.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and industry standards.

Skills

Procurement

Sourcing

Category management

Negotiations

ERP systems

Analytical skills

Travel willingness

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement tools

Job description

Category Manager | Direct Materials (m/f/d)

Warsaw (minimum 3 days per week on-site)

About the Company

Our Client is an international manufacturing organisation with a strong presence across Europe, delivering innovative solutions to the construction and industrial sectors. Due to continued growth and further development of its procurement function, we are currently seeking an experienced professional for the position of Category Manager.

The Role

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing selected direct material categories and developing strategic supplier partnerships across European markets. You will play an important role in sourcing activities, supplier development, category performance, and cost optimization while supporting business growth and manufacturing operations.

The position offers a combination of strategic sourcing, supplier management and cross-functional cooperation within an international manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers across European and international markets.
• Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, commercial agreements, payment terms and supply conditions.
• Build and maintain long-term supplier partnerships focused on quality, cost efficiency and supply reliability.
• Monitor supplier performance and support supplier development initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Operations teams.
• Manage sourcing projects supporting business growth and new product development.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities and raw material developments.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier diversification and risk mitigation.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and industry standards.

What We Are Looking For

• Several years of experience in procurement, sourcing or category management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success in supplier negotiations and supplier relationship management.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chains.
• Experience working with technical products, industrial components or raw materials.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers and procurement projects simultaneously.
• Experience using ERP systems and procurement tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Availability for regular travel across Europe.

Personal Profile

• Commercially minded and results-oriented.
• Strong communicator and relationship builder.
• Structured and analytical in decision-making.
• Comfortable working in cross-functional and international environments.
• Proactive and solution-focused.
• Committed to long-term supplier development and sustainable business partnerships.

What Makes This Opportunity Attractive

• Responsibility for strategic direct material categories.
• Opportunity to influence sourcing decisions and supplier strategy.
• International working environment with exposure to European supplier markets.
• Cooperation with technical, manufacturing and operational teams.
• A role combining strategic procurement with hands‑on supplier management.