Global Category Manager - Directs
Global Procurement Manager Finished Goods
Location: Greater Frankfurt Area or Southern Stuttgart Region, Germany
Language Requirement: Native-level or fluent German and English required
The Opportunity
Our client is a leading international industrial machinery manufacturer with a strong global footprint and a reputation for engineering excellence, innovation, and quality. Due to continued growth and increasing complexity across its global supply network, the business is seeking a highly strategic Global Procurement Manager Finished Goods to drive sourcing excellence, supplier performance, and commercial value creation across a critical spend portfolio.
This is a highly visible role partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, and senior leadership teams globally.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the global procurement strategy for Finished Goods and externally manufactured products.
- Manage a significant international supplier portfolio across Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier selection processes, contract negotiations, and long-term supplier development plans.
- Identify and deliver cost optimization opportunities while maintaining quality, delivery, and innovation standards.
- Drive supplier performance management through structured KPI frameworks and regular business reviews.
- Work closely with Engineering and Product Development teams to support new product introductions and product lifecycle management.
- Strengthen supply chain resilience through risk assessment, dual sourcing strategies, and business continuity planning.
- Lead negotiations for complex commercial agreements, ensuring favorable terms and long-term value creation.
- Support sustainability and ESG initiatives throughout the supplier base.
- Monitor market developments, industry trends, and supplier landscapes to identify strategic opportunities and mitigate risks.
- Collaborate with regional procurement teams to ensure alignment between global strategy and local execution.
Candidate Profile
- Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related discipline.
- Several years of strategic procurement experience within an industrial manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience managing Finished Goods, Contract Manufacturing, Outsourced Production, or complex direct material categories.
- Strong understanding of global supply chains and supplier networks within machinery, industrial equipment, automotive, manufacturing, engineered products, or related sectors.
- Demonstrated success delivering measurable savings, supplier improvements, and procurement transformation initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities.
- Experience managing international suppliers and conducting negotiations in both German and English.
- Native or fluent German language skills are essential.
- Fluent English is required.
- Willingness to travel internationally as required.
What Our Client Offers
- Strategic global procurement role with significant influence on business performance.
- Exposure to international leadership teams and global supplier networks.
- Opportunity to shape category strategy and drive procurement best practices.
- Modern, collaborative working environment with flexible working arrangements.
- Competitive compensation package including performance-based bonus.
- Long-term career development opportunities within a global industrial leader.
Ideal Backgrounds
Candidates are likely to come from industries such as:
- Industrial Machinery
- Mechanical Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Automation
- Capital Equipment
- Automotive
- Industrial Technology
- Engineered Products
- Process Equipment
FAQs
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