Category Manager - Consulting Services (m/f/d)

For KWS Berlin GmbH , we are looking for a full-time permanent Category Manager Consulting Services (m/f/d) in Berlin who will be responsible for developing and implementing global sourcing strategies for Consulting and Professional Services. As a strategic business partner to corporate functions and business units, the role ensures value-driven procurement decisions, optimizes external consulting spend, strengthens supplier management, and supports the organization in selecting the right external capabilities and commercial models.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and execute global category strategies for Consulting and Professional Services in alignment with KWS business priorities and functional requirements.

- Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities, including demand assessment, market analysis, sourcing strategy development, supplier selection, negotiations, contracting, and implementation .

- Manage procurement activities across relevant consulting areas, including management and strategy consulting, business transformation, finance, HR, legal and other professional services .

- Develop and negotiate effective commercial and engagement models , including project-based fees, time & material models, retainers, and outcome-based approaches where appropriate.

- Act as a trusted advisor and sparring partner to internal stakeholders , challenging requirements where appropriate and translating business needs into effective sourcing and supplier strategies.

- Build, manage, and continuously develop strategic relationships with key consulting firms and professional service providers.

- Drive supplier consolidation, preferred supplier approaches, demand optimization, and spend transparency to maximize value and reduce unnecessary external spend.

- Ensure competitive tension and commercial transparency through structured sourcing processes, benchmarking, and negotiation.

- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, legal requirements, data privacy regulations, and internal governance frameworks.

- Identify and realize cost-saving and value-creation opportunities while ensuring access to the right expertise, quality, flexibility, and business continuity.

- Lead procurement projects and change initiatives in a global matrix organization.

Qualifications and Experience

- University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

- Several years of experience in strategic procurement, ideally with a strong focus on Consulting, Professional Services, or other indirect procurement categories.

- Proven expertise in sourcing consulting and professional services , including complex tendering, commercial negotiations, supplier selection, and contract management.

- Strong understanding of different consulting engagement and pricing models , combined with the ability to evaluate commercial proposals and challenge cost structures.

- Strong experience in supplier relationship management and stakeholder management within international environments.

- Ability to understand complex business requirements and translate them into effective sourcing strategies and commercial solutions.

- Knowledge of procurement and ERP systems, ideally SAP and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solutions.

- Fluent in English , both written and spoken. Additional languages, particularly German , are an advantage.

Competencies

- Strong strategic, commercial, and analytical mindset.

- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.

- Strong business acumen and ability to challenge requirements constructively .

- Ability to operate effectively in complex global matrix organizations.

- Strong stakeholder and change management capabilities.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels, including senior leadership.

- Results-oriented, proactive, and able to work independently with a high degree of ownership.

- Collaborative team player with a strong customer and service orientation.

Benefits

- We are an international team of open-minded people with diverse and cross-functional experience

- Interesting and challenging tasks and projects

- As a family business, we are guided by the values of closeness, reliability, vision and independence; this culture is lived in practice and ensures an open and friendly working atmosphere from day one

- The best of both worlds: KWS Berlin combines the security of a large, stable company with the passion of a start-up

- Our location in the heart of Berlin-Schöneberg is very modern; directly opposite the underground station Bülowstraße and with secured car & bicycle parking spaces

- We offer 30d holidays, flexible working hours, holiday and Christmas bonuses, company pension scheme, JobRad and/or Jobticket

- True to our motto "Make yourself grow", we support the professional and personal development of our employees

Interested? Then submit your application via our online application system SuccessFactors! Please click the “Apply” button.