Global Category Manager - IT
Job Title: Global Catman for IT Procurement
Location: Cologne, Germany (3 days per week in the office, 2 days remote)
Reports to: Head of Indirect Procurement
Industry: Chemicals
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Global Catman for IT Procurement to join a leading organization in the chemicals industry. In this critical role, you will manage the procurement of IT-related products and services-including hardware, software, cloud services, licenses, and infrastructure-across our global operations. You will play a key role in optimizing procurement strategies and ensuring efficient, cost-effective solutions for IT needs in an industry driven by complex regulatory standards, technical advancements, and global operations.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of IT procurement, experience navigating the unique challenges of the chemicals sector, and the ability to initiate and drive sourcing strategies from scratch, building processes that scale across a global organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Procure IT Products and Services: Oversee the global procurement of IT-related goods, including hardware, software, licenses, cloud solutions, and IT infrastructure to support the company's complex needs in the chemicals industry.
Stakeholder Management: Work closely with internal stakeholders across departments, understanding their IT needs in the context of chemicals production, regulatory compliance, and R&D requirements.
Process Optimization: Develop, implement, and continuously improve IT procurement processes tailored to the unique needs of the chemicals sector, ensuring compliance, cost-effectiveness, and agility.
Sourcing Initiatives from Scratch: Take the lead in creating and implementing sourcing strategies from the ground up, building procurement processes that align with business goals and industry standards, particularly in complex, regulated environments.
Supplier Negotiation: Build and maintain strong relationships with IT vendors and suppliers, ensuring favorable contract terms, risk mitigation, and high-quality service.
Risk Management & Compliance: Understand and navigate the regulatory and compliance requirements that are specific to the chemicals industry when procuring IT products and services.
Global Category Management: Develop and execute strategies for managing the IT procurement category globally, ensuring the alignment of processes across regions with attention to the diverse regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and regional preferences.
Continuous Improvement: Lead efforts to ensure that procurement strategies remain agile and adaptable in the rapidly evolving chemicals industry.
Key Requirements:
Experience in IT Procurement: Strong background in procuring IT products and services, such as hardware, software, cloud services, and infrastructure, with a focus on global operations
Sourcing from Scratch: Proven experience in leading sourcing initiatives from scratch, establishing new procurement strategies, and building processes that can be scaled and refined over time.
Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across different regions and departments, balancing demands and aligning diverse requirements.
Process Development & Implementation: Experience in setting up or improving procurement processes in a complex, dynamic environment.
Agility in Procurement: Strong ability to thrive in a fast-paced, less structured environment, with a focus on creating and implementing scalable processes.
Problem-Solving Mindset: Strong analytical skills and the ability to find creative, practical solutions to procurement challenges.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
Background in the chemicals or manufacturing industry is highly preferred.
Experience working within highly regulated industries and understanding compliance needs.
Expertise in global IT sourcing and category management.
Ability to drive digital transformation and support innovation in IT procurement processes.
Why Join Us:
This role offers the unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on how IT procurement functions across a leading chemicals company. You will be empowered to shape procurement strategies, influence decision-making, and drive efficiency within a globally recognized industry. If you are a solution-driven procurement professional with a passion for navigating complex environments, we want to hear from you.
Work Schedule:
3 days per week in the office (Cologne, Germany)#
Apply Now to be part of a forward-thinking team where your skills and expertise will directly influence the future of IT procurement within the chemicals industry!
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