Category Manager

Deutsche Post DHL; Westerville (NE); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Virtual environment

Learning opportunities

Competitive benefits

Job summary

DHL is seeking a Category Manager to lead regional procurement strategies in the Americas, focusing on Network Supplies, Packaging, and related categories. The role requires driving savings, developing supplier relationships, and coordinating with global teams to implement local procurement strategies.

You will collaborate with senior leaders, manage complex negotiations, and ensure alignment with ESG and compliance standards, in a dynamic, international environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, international management, supply chain management or related field.
• At least 6 years of procurement experience or more in field of expertise; travel may be required.
• Procurement/contract drafting (English) and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience managing complex projects in a multi-functional, fast-paced environment.
• Strategic and critical thinker with ability to drive procurement initiatives.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills with cost models and financial projections.
• Customer orientation and ability to sell procurement solutions to stakeholders.
• Experience working in agile environments and influencing stakeholders.
• Fluent English; additional languages are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Establish relationships with local stakeholders and ensure visibility for strategic sourcing.
• Meet or exceed annual cash savings targets for the category.
• Lead specific sourcing initiatives and major projects in Network Supplies/Packaging/Print.
• Cooperate with global sourcing teams to develop local procurement strategies.
• Identify best-in-class suppliers and manage supplier relationships.
• Analyze local spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities using strategic sourcing.
• Lead local category procurement processes and track progress and benefits.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant supply markets; share cross-region insights.
• Travel up to 10% internationally as needed.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Influencing skills

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

BS/BA University Degree or College Diploma

MS/MA and 4+ years in related field

Tools

Reverse auctions

Online bidding

E-procurement

Job description

About DHL and Procurement:

DHL Group the logistics provider of the world with over 600,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories. We are an organization that is not just moving goods around, we have a very clear purpose, and we are: Connecting People. Improving Lives. We provide challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development, we recognize the difference you bring to our business and together we share the pride of building one of the largest world leaders in logistics and supply chain.

DHL Corporate Procurement is a trustworthy business partner that builds a competitive ecosystem for the DHL Group –; SUSTAINABLE, AGILE, CONNECTED, FORWARD LOOKING. We transform the way DHL is sourcing products, systems and services from external partners, leveraging modern digital tools and technologies. Our global procurement team is our biggest asset and by focusing on clear priorities, we drive tangible value for our colleagues. As our business keeps growing, we want you in our AMERICAS region.

Ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Procurement? Join the team and bring your expertise on board! As part of the DHL Group, you will be working with a global network of Procurement colleagues and benefit from a wide range of development opportunities.

Job Purpose:

Role develops and implements regional and country procurement strategies in alignment with the global strategy, takes responsibility for supplier relationship management and leads RFP process, negotiations of Supplier contracts for NORAM jointly with DHL Express, DHL eCommerce, DHL Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding business colleagues.

Your tasks:

• Provide professional sourcing support for key business initiatives, supply market research/intelligence to support business decisions and establishment of frame contracts.
• Specialize in strategic sourcing of Warehouse Material Handling Equipment (example- Forklift, Pallet Trucks, Racking, Shelves) , Maintenance and Spare parts , Automated Storage and Retrieval systems , Logistics Robots, Packing systems in order to reduce costs and ensure quality and supply as needed by the business/function in scope.
• Identify strategic sourcing opportunities and development and management of strategic suppliers.
• Consolidate existing suppliers into more strategic partner relationships and develop new suppliers when needed.
• Conduct complex tenders and lead difficult negotiations with local, national and international suppliers.
• Achieve value contribution, benefit realization and efficiency from all procurement activities and ensuring fulfillment of joint goals with internal business partner by meeting their demands in terms of quality, price and service.
• Active project management of sourcing projects.
• Lead Regional Strategy for Warehouse Solutions category across Americas Region.
• Develop and improve category specific expertise, knowledge and support sourcing initiatives of other regions and cross-regional knowledge sharing.
• Develop and implement long-term category strategies and manage categories with an understanding of external innovation management.
• Deep understanding of the business as well as market and trends of the specific categories.
• Apply game Theory based negotiation techniques
• Communicate and influence senior business leaders to support practices and approaches.
• Develop strong, trusting relationships with senior business leaders across DHL.
• Implement corporate compliance and ESG rules.

Your profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, International Management, Supply Chain
• Management, or a related field.
• At least 8 years in Procurement experience, preferably in Warehouse Equipment Category
• Procurement/contract drafting (English) and negotiation skills
• Proven experience managing complex projects in a multi-functional, fast-paced environment.
• Strategic and critical thinker with the ability to drive procurement initiatives successfully.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills, with the ability to develop cost models and financial projections.
• High customer orientation and the ability to “sell” procurement solutions to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Passionate about working in agile environments and adaptable to changing business needs.
• Excellent influencing skills, capable of engaging stakeholders and driving strategic decisions.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.
• Fluency in English is a must; additional language skills are an advantage.

We offer:

• Great opportunity to work for the biggest logistics company in the world
• International and virtual environment
• Flexibility and great opportunity to learn
• Tempting Compensation and benefits

DHL is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/eeo-law-poster

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Category Manager

Would you like to join the Logistics Company for the World?Have you often wondered how products get from point A to point B? DHL Supply Chain does just that.

Become an essential part of everyday life, by contributing to an organization that is Connecting People and Improving Lives. If you have a passion for people, a desire to problem-solve, and eagerness to pursue continuous improvement opportunities… we look forward to exploring career possibilities with you!

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Procurement, the Category Manager will play an integral role in a variety of strategic sourcing initiatives.The Category Manager will have experience with sourcing or management of packaging and corporate wear and responsibility for managing the entire procurement cycle for certain key segments and in other cases will liaise with global Category Managers to facilitate the strategic sourcing process for stakeholders. The category manager will be a key component in increasing the total “managed spend” for the Network Supplies Commodity thereby enabling further savings and efficiencies.

• Establish relationships with local stakeholders and provide visibility and credibility for the strategic sourcing function and to ensure knowledge of internal demand and service quality.
• Meet or exceed the annual cash savings targets established for the position.
• Take the lead in specific sourcing initiatives as mandated by the Director of Procurement. Specific major projects in the near term will be focused on Network Supplies / Packaging / Print sourcing.
• Cooperate with global sourcing teams to develop and implement local procurement strategies.
• Identify and recommend “best in class suppliers”. Conduct supplier management according to corporate standards and provide feedback concerning suppliers to relevant team members.
• Analyze local spend data and identify opportunities for cost savings through strategic sourcing methodologies. Take the lead in initiating sourcing projects to act on these findings.
• Track category specific project progress and benefits and report according to corporate performance management requirements and tools.
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of relevant supply markets.
• Close cooperation with global sourcing to develop and implement best local procurement strategies
• Leading local category procurement processes
• Identifying and recommend “best in class” supplier and maintain good relationships with them

Required Education and Experience

• BS/BA University Degree or College Diploma (preferably in business administration, finance, engineering, marketing & sales) and 6+ years of in field of expertise or equivalent experience.or MS/MA and 4+ years’ experience in related field
• Demonstrated experience in sourcing technologies. Familiar with reverse auctions; on-line bidding procedures; e-procurement and other relevant tools.
• Proven experience in successfully negotiating complex, high-value projects.
• Project management experience.
• Willingness to travel 10% of the time and work globally if appropriate.

Our Organization has a business casual environment and focuses on teamwork, associate development, training, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive wages, excellent affordable insurance benefits (including health, dental, vision and life), 401K plan, paid vacation and holidays.

Our Organization is an equal opportunity employer.