Global Category Manager IT

BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) nutzt ihr umfassendes Know-how als ein weltweit führender Anbieter von Katalyse und Edelmetallen und bedient Kunden in vielen Branchen, darunter Automobil, Luft- und Raumfahrt, Raumluftqualität, Halbleiter und Wasserstoffwirtschaft. Mit einem Fokus auf Kreislauflösungen und Nachhaltigkeit setzt sich ECMS dafür ein, unsere Kunden bei der Schaffung einer saubereren, nachhaltigeren Welt zu unterstützen. "Protecting our elements of life" ist unser Unternehmenszweck und das inspiriert uns zu immer neuen Lösungen. ECMS ist weltweit in 15 Ländern mit über 4500 Mitarbeitenden und 20 Produktionsstandorten tätig.

Requirements:

• Develop, implement and continuously improve global category strategies for assigned spend categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives, operational requirements, sustainability commitments and cost-effectiveness. 
• Maintain strong market and category knowledge to analyze trends, identify opportunities, manage risks and support effective sourcing and supplier decisions. 
• Lead complex projects, supplier selection and contract negotiations to deliver cost savings, improve value, manage risk and strengthen supplier performance.
• Lead cross-site and cross-functional initiatives focused on standardization (where relevant), supplier rationalization, localization, dual sourcing, supply risk mitigation and business continuity. 
• Collaborate with Indirect Buyers, Operational Officers and stakeholders across relevant business functions to understand requirements and translate them into effective sourcing and category strategies. 
• Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships, including regular business reviews, performance assessments, KPIs, service-level agreements and governance processes, to drive accountability, innovation and continuous improvement. 
• Provide coaching, problem-solving support, guidance and functional expertise to Indirect Buyers and procurement teams, promoting best practice, category excellence and consistent execution.  Steering Indirect
• Buyers of overall regional supplier relationship management within own category.
• Lead supplier governance by ensuring contracts meet approved legal, commercial and compliance standards, collaborating with Legal and business stakeholders where required. 
• Use relevant procurement and ERP systems, including SAP, to monitor activity, support business collaboration and manage operational escalations. 
• Serve as the category subject matter expert for Information Technology spend categories, maintaining current knowledge of market trends, emerging technologies, licensing structures, AI-driven solutions, cloud platforms, telecommunications, hardware, infrastructure, and IT professional services to inform global sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, risk management, and long-term category planning.
• Lead complex, RfPs, coordinating and leading complex contract negotiations Globally.
• Negotiate specific contract areas including but not excluding COLA, understand how to manage AI Consumption each region, using fact based approaches and disciplined risk assessment in line with Metivo standards.

Responsibilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage. 
• Minimum 8 years of indirect buying experience including experience of global or regional supply strategy development, complex sourcing, requests for proposal, supplier negotiations, contract management and value creation is required. 
• Minimum 3 years of category management experience in Category management field (e.g.  IT, professional services, Logistics, facilities/energy or production management) required
• Minimum 3 years' experience of developing and implementing category strategies in specific field (e.g.  IT, professional services, Logistics, facilities/energy or production management) required
• Ability to understand specifications, cost drivers, operational constraints and supplier market dynamics in the assigned category, and to challenge specification owners constructively using market knowledge, alternatives and risk insight required
• Strong experience of accountability, analytical thinking, business acumen, negotiation capability, project management and clear communication skills required. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently and deliver within deadlines required
• Fluent business English, including the ability to lead or participate in negotiations; German language skills are an advantage. 
• Competent in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Proficient in ERP systems, including SAP; formal project management certification is an advantage.  

This position is being advertised across multiple locations and regions; however, only one candidate will be selected. The successful candidate will be assigned to the company location closest to their residence and will be expected to work in a hybrid arrangement. Please note that this is not a fully remote position and requires on-site attendance.