Category Manager

Category Manager

At Toyota Material Handling Europe we create the technology that keeps the world moving. We are over 13500 colleagues passionate about supporting companies of all sizes with today's and tomorrow's material handling challenges. Because we know that our business and our industry are essential and sometimes even critical for them for daily life and society at large.

In our respective headquarters in Mjölby Sweden, Willebroek Belgium, in our Sales companies across Europe or in our factories in France, Italy and Sweden you can be part of an extraordinary journey. And together we will move the world towards easy and sustainable.

The Position

We are now looking for a Category Manager for Direct Material to join our Corporate Purchasing team in Bologna. In this role you will be responsible for negotiating and managing supplier contracts while developing and refining our European purchasing strategies to achieve cost reductions and quality objectives.

You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to establish sustainable supplier partnerships that align with corporate goals and stakeholder needs. Furthermore you support our local entities during negotiations and training safeguarding alignment across Europe. This position involves some travelling within Europe.

In this role you will report to Joakim Gustafsson, Manager Category Management (Direct Material) MSCOs & Corporate Purchasing.

Your Responsibility

• All Direct Material outside Supply Units (factories) i.e. Spare parts and MSCOs
• Take full commercial responsibility for the assigned Direct Material categories driving strategic sourcing efforts to optimize supplier partnerships.
• Manage Request for Quotations (RFQs) evaluating total cost of ownership alongside other relevant criteria.
• Administrative tasks related to purchasing.
• Collaborate with all legal entities to ensure the effective adoption and integration of central agreements.
• Continuously enhance and improve the purchasing process to support ongoing business transformation.
• Engage in strategic follow‑ups to ensure the successful implementation of corporate purchasing goals.

Your Profile

• 5 years experience within purchasing preferably within different roles and companies in an international context.
• Proven experience in negotiating complex contracts and managing terms & conditions.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to drive and influence complex procurement initiatives.
• Experience in managing supplier performance contract compliance and the entire contract lifecycle.
• Strong business acumen.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration with team members and professional engagement with suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Experience within SAP S / 4 Hana ERP system is a plus.
• Fluent in Italian and English both written and spoken.
• Bachelor's degree within relevant area or equivalent professional experience.

Our Offer

At Toyota Material Handling Europe we believe in continuous learning and provide plenty of opportunities to develop new skills and take on exciting projects. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do and we take pride in fostering a supportive open environment where every voice is heard.

This position is based in Bologna, Italy with remote work options available up to two days a week. We are committed to supporting you with an attractive benefits package including a yearly bonus and flexible work arrangements that allow you to balance your personal and professional life. With clear goals and direction from senior leadership you’ll also find abundant opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

Time for you to make a MOVE!

More Information

For more information about this position please contact Joakim Gustafsson, Manager Category Management (Direct Material) MSCOs & Corporate Purchasing, or Patrik Schultzén, Talent Acquisition Specialist.

Your Application

Please submit your application in English no later than November 2nd 2025. Applications are only accepted through our recruitment system. We screen continuously so do not miss out and send in your application today!

Contract type: Permanent

Job location: Italy (Bologna)