This Category Lead develops the overall strategy for the purchasing of a product category and
researches new product options to drive sales and achieve targets. He/she provides category insights
and proposals by analyzing product lifecycle and monitoring relevant market conditions.
This person will support procurement and be responsible for driving strategic and operational elements
and be accountable for the direction and performance delivery of the Procurement function for all IT
related activities globally. He/She will act as a conduit between the business and the suppliers and should
possess outstanding influencing and negotiating skills, for this EUR 70 million spend (hardware, software
and consulting).
More specifically, this person will be responsible for:
• Optimal selection of vendors and technologies in line with business expectations, category sourcing
strategies and cost targets
• Effective engagement with a complex mix of senior stakeholders: IT, R&D, Legal, Operations, Finance,
Marketing, Sales, Facilities... other Procurement leaders globally
• Identify and establish high value partnerships and alliances in various regions and support various IT
functions (including outsource management) related topics globally
• Deliver Category benefits in the region through sourcing, demand management, supplier relationship
management and supplier development
• Lead the discussion/negotiation with multiple international large suppliers
• Identification of alternative partners/vendors to optimize cost and or reduce risk
• Lead risk mitigation activities, matrix and report
• Maintain dashboard of key projects to report progress, savings and review pipeline
• Address Commercial alignment to organizational goal (ie payment term, shipping term, liability).
Experience
▪ Over 3 years’ experience in progressing IT procurement roles
▪ Technical and cost driver / value knowledge in hardware and software
▪ Program and process development to integrate cost savings strategy into IT roadmap context
Performance and personal competencies
▪ Excellent communication skills both written and verbal – ability to clearly demonstrate and explain
technical opportunities
▪ Ability to work and manage external vendors to deliver results within designated timelines
▪ Ability to handle senior internal and external stakeholders
▪ Drive, determination and high standards. Resilience, high energy and a ‘can-do’ attitude
▪ Strategic mind-set, results orientated, accountable, takes responsibility and leads by example,
raising standards
▪ A people-oriented person who is always looking for solutions and bringing quality improvements.