Senior Global IT Category Manager

This role has the task to manage all IT procurement related activities on a global level, foster adaptation of procurement policy, develop category specific processes, lead sustainability and diversity required procurement activities with the key IT suppliers. The senior IT global category manager works in close collaboration with the different IT stakeholders and with the regional strategic procurement teams.

Job Rponsibilities

• Define, drive and implement IT sourcing category strategy or renew strategic sourcing category management plans.
• Identify key stakeholders; collaborate, advise and influence in a matrix organization.
• Identify business requirements, work with the stakeholders to define supplier requirements
• Lead RFI’s/RFP’s/RFQ’s, negotiate contractual terms with potential suppliers.
• Support strategic vendor qualification process.
• Carry out category spend, market and product analysis required for category profiling.
• Lead Category Councils worldwide involving the local procurement teams.
• Develop and execute an optimal sourcing strategy for the managed categories (IT Software, IT Hardware, IT professional services, Telco and Mobile, etc.).
• Lead contractual discussions with suppliers within portfolio of managed categories.
• Responsible for the spend cube accuracy for managed categories.
• Effectively assess supplier proposals using Total Cost of Ownership approach and considering SLAs and supplier ESG readiness.
• Set-up KPI’s and monitor service levels to ensure compliance and uninterrupted availability.
• Work closely with business stakeholders to build consensus and alignment for sourcing & procurement projects, advise and influence in a matrix organization.
• Manage costs (should-cost models, cost reductions, value creation, etc.) and drive savings.
• Set rules of engagement with divisions/country organizations (incl. subsequent control of compliance) with respect to scope of managed categories.
• Support and assist Head of Indirect Procurement with category specific analysis.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor or Master Degree in Procurement, Business, Economics, Supply Chain or equivalent
• Min. 5 years of experience as IT Category Manager or IT Vendor Manager having led Software and Hardware, Telco, IT services sourcing projects at regional or global level. Preferred experience (not must requirement) in airport and logistics related applications.
• Proven track record in delivering year to year cost savings, driving cost reduction and supporting transformation projects Excellent negotiating skills and understanding of contractual key terms.
• Strong process and project management experience, analytical skills
• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage category processes, and cross functional teams in a matrix organization
• Ability to work with key stakeholders in multicultural environment and at various levels
• Down-to-earth and positive work attitude, hands-on mentality, team worker
• Excellent social & communication skills – able to clearly articulate position in a complex organization
• English skills at business level (written and spoken) is a must, any additional language is an advantage.

Place of work