Global Category Manager - Production Operations

As a Global Category Manager Production Operations, you will LEAD by……….

The Global Category Manager owns the development and implementation of global category strategies for assigned indirect spend categories. The role is accountable for maximizing business value through strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, risk mitigation and continuous improvement, while supporting safe, reliable and efficient business operations globally.

Working with Indirect Buyers, Operational Officers and cross-functional stakeholders, the role identifies opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership, improve supplier performance, strengthen supply security, increase standardization and deliver sustainable value. Through robust market assessment, supplier governance and category leadership, the role supports business continuity and contributes to the company’s operational and financial objectives.

Principal Responsibilities

- 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.

- Assume end-to-end responsibility for the assigned categories – Production Equipment and Machinery, Tools, Spare Parts and Technical Components, Process Materials and Industrial Vehicles - demonstrating proven category management experience, strong market knowledge, and a successful track record in developing and implementing category strategies within these areas

- Experience in CAPEX procurement, including technical specification review, competitive tendering, total cost of ownership analysis, commercial and contractual negotiations, supplier risk assessment, and procurement support throughout project execution.

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.

Your elements for success……

- 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.

Location Shanghai