Category Manager

ATS Corporation; Prague (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ATS Corporation is seeking an experienced Category Manager to develop and execute strategic supplier and category sourcing solutions in a global, collaborative environment. You will lead high‑impact negotiations, manage international stakeholder relationships, and drive continuous cost optimization while partnering with cross‑divisional teams and VAVE initiatives.

Location: Europe with hybrid work flexibility; the role requires advanced Excel skills and strong data analytics to transform large

Qualifications

• Education: University degree in Procurement, Business Management, Engineering or an equivalent discipline.
• Experience: 5–8 years of strategic sourcing and project management experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Data & Analytics: Advanced capability to manage, analyse, and extract insights from large datasets derived from ERP systems (excellent Excel skills).
• Soft Skills: Exceptional negotiation, communication, and influencing skills across all organisational levels, with a proven ability to thrive in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and govern category procurement strategies to support long-term growth.
• Own global spend for assigned material categories and drive savings.
• Evaluate, approve, and manage relationships with global vendors and ensure alignment with ATS objectives.
• Lead negotiations of framework agreements, including pricing, terms, discounts, and rebates.
• Partner with ATS divisions globally to align category strategies with divisional needs.
• Lead cost-saving workshops and contribute to VAVE initiatives with multidisciplinary teams.
• Act as primary contact for complex supply chain issues and drive resolution.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Influencing

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

University degree in Procurement, Business Management, Engineering

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Job Summary

ATS Corporation is seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking Category Manager to develop and execute strategic supplier and category sourcing solutions. Operating within a highly collaborative, global, and multicultural environment, this role will lead high‑impact negotiations, manage key international stakeholder relationships, and drive continuous cost optimization.

Department: Corporate Supply Chain

Reports to: Senior Manager, Global Category Management

Location: Europe (Smart Working Enabled / Hybrid)

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing: Develop, implement, and govern comprehensive category procurement strategies (vision, goals, actions) to support long‑term business growth.
• Spend & Cost Management: Own the total global spend for the assigned material categories, utilizing data analysis and historical benchmarking to achieve tangible savings.
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Evaluate, approve, and manage relationships with global vendors, ensuring alignment with ATS objectives and ethical standards.
• Commercial Negotiations: Lead the negotiation of framework agreements, including pricing, commercial terms, discounts, and rebates applicable across multiple complex projects.
• Cross‑Divisional Collaboration: Partner closely with ATS divisions globally to align and define customised category strategies that meet specific divisional business needs.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Take a leading role in cost‑saving workshops and actively contribute to technical VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) initiatives in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Problem Solving: Act as the primary single point of contact for complex or unusual supply chain issues, establishing clear ownership and resolution.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: University degree in Procurement, Business Management, Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 5–8 years of strategic sourcing and project management experience, ideally within a custom manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Data & Analytics: Advanced capability to manage, analyse, and extract insights from large datasets derived from ERP systems (excellent Excel skills required).
• Soft Skills: Exceptional negotiation, communication, and influencing skills across all organisational levels, with a proven ability to thrive in multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• Be a part of a thriving organization that is a global leader in advanced automation solutions.
• Experience flexibility and autonomy, supported by a trust‑driven culture.
• Collaborate with other bright, talented professionals focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Discover opportunities for growth within ATS as we strive to develop, engage, empower, and energise our people.
• Make an impact and give back to our communities in a meaningful way.
• Work in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where everyone is respected and given the opportunity to do their best.
• Enjoy an attractive compensation package including flexible work schedules (where applicable).
• and much more!

The compensation offered will be based on the local job market and may vary depending on factors such as the job‑related knowledge, skills, experience of the selected candidate, as well as other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of these benefit plans will be provided when the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment.

This role represents an existing vacancy within the organization.

ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to personal disability. We would ask those who require assistance to notify our offices as soon as possible if accommodation is necessary.

The ATS applicant tracking system may utilise AI software with pre‑defined, rule‑based filters to organise and manage application materials. Rule‑based filters operate solely on fixed criteria and do not perform autonomous evaluation or generate independent recommendations. All hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgement.