Category Manager

Husqvarna AB (publ); Huskvarna; On-site; SEK 500,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Husqvarna AB (publ) is hiring a Category Manager in Huskvarna. In this role, you will oversee the sourcing of accessories for the robotics & wheeled portfolio, reporting to the Sourcing Director. A focus on developing business strategy and vendor relations is crucial for success.

The ideal candidate has over 3 years of purchasing experience, excellent negotiation skills, and is fluent in English. This position includes occasional travel within service and is part of an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience, preferably in category management.
• Extensive technical experience in a manufacturing industry is preferred.
• Fluent in English with strong communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all commercial relations with suppliers.
• Create long-term strategies for optimized value delivery.
• Manage sourcing projects and lead negotiations.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Strategic sourcing methodologies

Negotiation skills

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor of Science

MBA or Master of Science in Engineering

Job description

About the role

As Category Manager you are part of a highly motivated team of Category Managers and Operational Buyers and report to the Sourcing Director Powertrain Categories. You will be overall responsible for the sourcing of accessories to Husqvarna Forest & Garden, specifically to the robotics & wheeled portfolio. The accessories business is a highly strategic and profitable part of Husqvarna’s business offering. Your primary responsibility is to develop and apply business strategy and relationship management, deliver value in terms of quality, delivery, cost efficiency, innovation and sustainability for your categories during the full product life cycle.

Main responsibilities

• Be ultimately responsible for all commercial relations with the suppliers within your categories and secure set targets of cost, quality, delivery and sustainability.
• Create long‑term strategies, well anchored with internal stakeholders, for your categories to deliver optimised value and drive implementation of the same.
• Develop and maintain vendor agreements.
• Manage sourcing projects and lead negotiations of commercial terms and conditions.
• Build and maintain mutually beneficial relations with suppliers to improve supplier performance and collaboration, not only to decrease costs and eliminate waste but also to utilise the suppliers’ full potential in areas such as product development and innovation.
• Build and maintain strong internal relations within sourcing functions such as Project Sourcing, Supplier Quality Assurance and Supplier Development and with other internal stakeholders such as R&D, Product Management & Logistics.
• Set up and manage the annual budget of cost saving activities and negotiations.

Location and work setup

This role is based in Husqvarna. Occasional travel within service is expected, approximately 10 days per year.

About you

• Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience, preferably in category management positions.
• Bachelor of Science; Advantage: MBA or Master of Science in Engineering or relevant experience.
• Extensive technical experience and working in a manufacturing industry are also preferred, as well as knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, fact‑based negotiation and cross‑functional team collaboration.
• Experience working in an international environment.
• Fluent in English.
• Strong understanding of both internal and external customer service, complemented by exceptional communication abilities that encompass strategic thinking, diplomatic finesse, social competence and negotiation skills.
• Strong influencing skills to promote Category Strategies to Business Partners.
• Experience and insights in the purchasing environment and strong planning, analytical and organising abilities.
• Personality in combination with relevant education, work experience and passion for working in sourcing will be important in order to succeed in this role.

We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and candidates.