Senior Category Manager, Steel (m/f/d)
Senior Category Manager EMEA - Steel & Forgings
Industry: Industrial Manufacturing
Location: Dusseldorf
Function: Strategic Sourcing / Procurement
Travel: Approx. 25% (including international)
The Opportunity
A global industrial manufacturing organisation is seeking a Senior Category Manager EMEA - Steel to take strategic ownership of one of its most critical direct materials spend categories.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Sourcing for EMEA, this role sits at the centre of regional and global sourcing strategy. You will lead the development and execution of category strategies for steel and forged components, working closely with sourcing, operations, engineering, and senior leadership teams across a multi‑site, international footprint.
This is a key leadership role offering significant influence on cost, supplier performance, supply resilience, and long‑term value creation.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and execute the EMEA category strategy for steel and forged components, aligned with regional and global sourcing objectives
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and long‑term partnership agreements
- Collaborate with global and regional category leaders to optimise total cost of ownership (TCO), including value‑based and BVC sourcing approaches
- Drive supplier management strategies covering development, consolidation, segmentation, and cost‑reduction roadmaps
- Influence sourcing decisions across business units, including design‑to‑cost input and directed sourcing (Tier 2 / Tier 3)
- Ensure alignment across the value chain on quality, delivery, and customer requirements
- Monitor steel and forgings market dynamics, cost drivers, and forecasts, implementing countermeasures where required
- Develop deep visibility of category economics, including raw material, processing, and tooling costs
- Partner with operational procurement teams to deliver continuous improvement and process excellence
- Drive innovation and sustainability improvements throughout the supply base
- Track and report performance against agreed KPIs and present category strategies and results to senior leadership
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred (Supply Chain, Engineering, or related discipline)
- 7+ years' experience in procurement, supply chain, operations, or category management
- At least 3 years' hands‑on experience sourcing steel and forged components
- Strong understanding of steel and forgings supply markets, cost structures, and pricing mechanisms
- Proven experience in global, multi‑tier direct materials sourcing
- Strong commercial and analytical capability, with a structured approach to complex problem‑solving
- Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence and challenge senior leaders across regions and functions
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong systems capability; ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, Infor) advantageous
- Languages: English required; German strongly preferred
Why This Role?
- Strategic ownership of a high‑value, business‑critical category
- Regional leadership role with global collaboration and visibility
- Opportunity to shape sourcing strategy within a complex industrial environment
- Long‑term career potential within a stable, international manufacturing group
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.