Group Category & Sourcing Manager – Heavy Building Materials – Insulation Category

STARK Group is a leading Northern European builders’ merchant. With our latest transformative acquisition in the UK, we continue our strong growth journey and have tripled in size over the past four years to become a EUR 9bn company with close to 22.000 employees, which places us amongst the top 20 largest companies in Denmark. We stay true to our strategy to be the indispensable partner for our suppliers and customers, who work very hard every day to build other people’s future.

STARK Sourcing is a cross-country organization responsible for all sourcing activities in STARK Group. We are the only true cross-border procurement organization in the building materials industry in Europe, and we take pride in delivering the right products at the right price to our customers.

Job Content

• With your understanding of the market dynamics in Insulation, you will help us become the winning distributor in the category.
• By staying current on industry developments, trends, and internal business analyses, you will make strategic decisions and shape the Insulation Category.
• Your focus is on maximizing the performance and profitability of the Insulation Category.
• You will develop, implement, and continue to evolve a Group Category Strategy for the Insulation Category, including developing a European Sourcing Strategy for Insulation in collaboration with our Business Units, aligned with Sourcing Advisory Board decisions.
• You will define the optimal supplier portfolio, considering concentration and balance; net cost price, brand power and tender vs. forecast utilisation.
• Coordinate and lead the review and implementation of assortment activities in collaboration with BU category-teams.
• Establish supplier frame contracts and strategic processes in cooperation with Business Units sourcing management.
• Define and agree on campaigns and marketing activities in coordination with Business Units category teams.
• You will act as the primary point of contact for group suppliers in the category, be accountable for suppliers joining the European Supplier Program (ESP) and you will develop and maintain partnerships with suppliers in the ESP – maximizing the involvement and commercial contributions.
• Perform cost driver breakdowns, analyze supplier performance, and monitor market developments to inform category and sourcing decisions.
• Establish a structured meeting framework with key suppliers / partners and internal stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and effective communication.
• Facilitate sharing of best practice to drive performance and compliance.
• Drive and manage agreed-upon European activities with European suppliers, ensuring successful execution.
• Undertake and oversee digitalisation projects in cooperation with European supplier / partners, leveraging technological advancements for operational excellence and growth.

What we offer

• A newly established role in a large and further internationally expanding company with the opportunity to influence and add true value.
• Closeness to top management and decision making.
• Attractice compensation package with a bonus component.
• A flexible work environment.
• You will report directly to Group Category Director Heavy Building Materials, Lisa Young.
• Your manager is located in the UK, but re-location is not necessary for this position.
• However, some travelling must be expected since you will have a lot of interactions with local business unit teams.

Who are we looking for

• You have excellent stakeholder management skills, as well as strong relationship management and networking skills.
• You have a capability and interest to work on everything, from strategy and strategic direction to details on product level.
• You have excellent communication and presentation skills.
• You have prior experience in category management, experience from the industry is a plus, but not a must.
• You are resilient and able to constructively challenge and influence at a senior level.
• You have proven experience with fact based and strategic negotiation skills.
• You understand operational execution / processes and challenges.
• You possess strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to assimilate information.
• You self-motivated and results – driven.
• Multitasking, going the extra mile and meeting deadlines are important to you.
• Comfortable working in English (corporate language).

Deadline and questions

We look very much forward to receiving your job application at the latest November 26th.

If you have any questions, please contact Group Category Director Heavy Building Materials, Lisa Young,