Category Manager

Husqvarna Aktiebolag; Lysekils kommun; On-site; SEK 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Husqvarna Aktiebolag is looking for a Category Manager to oversee the sourcing of accessories for Husqvarna Forest & Garden. This strategic position involves developing business strategies and managing supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

Ideal candidates should possess a minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience, a Bachelor of Science degree, and strong negotiation and communication skills. The role is based in Huskvarna with occasional travel expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience, preferably in category management.
• Extensive technical experience in a manufacturing industry.
• Fluency in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all commercial relations with suppliers.
• Create long-term category strategies with internal stakeholders.
• Manage sourcing projects and lead negotiations.

Skills

Purchasing experience (3+ years)

Strategic sourcing methodologies

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor of Science

MBA or Master of Science in Engineering

Job description

The sourcing organization at Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division is divided into several functions and categories, in order to secure quality, delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability throughout the supply chain. The Sourcing team is dedicated to deliver on our full range of business targets and to provide a profound base for our teams driving these objectives together with over 1000 suppliers and are guided by the principles of Strategic, Collaborative, and Professional. One of the key functions within Sourcing is category management and related commercial relationships with suppliers. Our task is to ensure that the greatest value is provided to the organization´s internal customers and thereby positively affecting the overall business result.

About the role

As Category Manager you are part of a highly motivated team of Category Managers and Operational Buyers and you 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.

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, to deliver optimized value and drive implementation.
• 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 performance, collaboration, and to utilize suppliers' full potential in 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 stakeholders such as R&D, Product Management & Logistics.
• Set up and manage the annual budget of cost‑saving activities and negotiations.

Qualifications

• 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 experience working in a manufacturing industry. 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 internal and external customer service, exceptional communication, strategic thinking, diplomatic finesse, social competence, and negotiation skills.
• Strong influencing skills to promote Category Strategies to Business Partners, and strong planning, analytical and organizing abilities.
• Passion for sourcing and a personality that complements the relevant education and work experience.

Location and work setup

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