Job Title: Category Manager - Professional Services Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Company Overview: Join our dynamic team within a leading manufacturing company headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. With a rich heritage of innovation and quality, they are at the forefront of the industry, driving significant growth and expansion. As part of our commitment to excellence, we are seeking a talented individual to join us as a Category Manager - Professional Services.
Position Overview: As a Category Manager - Professional Services, you will play a pivotal role in driving strategic procurement initiatives within our rapidly expanding organization. This is a fresh position created to support our growth trajectory, offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to make a significant impact.
Key Responsibilities:
Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for professional services, including but not limited to consulting, real estate, legal, marketing, and IT services, aligning with overall business objectives and growth plans.
Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts and agreements to ensure favorable terms, quality, and delivery standards.
Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market analysis and benchmarking to identify emerging trends, opportunities for cost savings, and innovative solutions within the professional services category.
Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance, market volatility, and regulatory compliance, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing business disruptions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, legal, IT, and operations teams, to understand their requirements and effectively manage the procurement process.
Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function, optimizing processes, systems, and workflows to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and value delivery.
Contract Management: Oversee the contract lifecycle management process, from initial negotiation through to renewal or termination, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Supplier Diversity: Champion supplier diversity initiatives, seeking opportunities to engage with diverse suppliers and promote inclusion within the supply chain.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
- Proven experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, with a focus on professional services within a manufacturing or related industry.
- Strong negotiation skills, with a track record of successfully managing supplier relationships and driving cost savings initiatives.
- Excellent analytical abilities, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and draw actionable insights to inform decision-making.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and influence key stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency in procurement software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office suite.
- Fluency in German and English; additional languages a plus.
Why Join Us:
- Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a dynamic and rapidly growing organization where your contributions will make a significant impact on our success.
- Collaborative Culture: Join a team of talented professionals who are passionate about driving excellence and innovation in everything we do.
- Professional Development: Access to ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, bonus potential, health insurance, and retirement savings options.
If you are ready to take on a new challenge and contribute to the success of a leading manufacturing company, we encourage you to apply for the position of Category Manager - Professional Services. Join us in shaping the future of our organization and the industry as a whole.
