Job Title: Category Manager - Automation and Equipment
Company Overview: My client is a leading transportation company based in Germany, specializing in, freight logistics, passenger transportation with a commitment to innovation and efficiency. They continuously invest in cutting-edge automation systems and equipment to optimize their operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
Position Overview: As a Category Manager for Automation and Equipment, you will play a key role in managing the procurement and optimization of automation systems and equipment critical to our transportation infrastructure. Leveraging your expertise in category management, supplier relationships, and industry trends, you will lead initiatives to streamline our supply chain, reduce costs, and drive operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Category Strategy Development: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for automation systems and equipment, aligning with the company's objectives and technological requirements.
Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers of automation systems and equipment, negotiating contracts, conducting performance reviews, and fostering collaboration for innovation and continuous improvement.
Procurement Planning: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and finance teams, to understand their requirements and develop procurement plans to ensure timely availability of automation systems and equipment to support transportation operations.
Market Analysis: Stay informed about market trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes impacting the automation and equipment category, conducting market research to identify potential suppliers and emerging technologies.
Cost Optimization: Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, value engineering, and negotiation techniques, while maintaining high standards of quality, reliability, and safety.
Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain, such as supplier dependencies, geopolitical factors, and supply shortages, to minimize disruptions to transportation services.
Supplier Diversity and Sustainability: Promote supplier diversity and sustainability initiatives within the category, evaluating suppliers based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and implementing responsible sourcing practices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business objectives, technical requirements, and operational needs.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 5-10 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, with a focus on automation systems and equipment within the transportation or logistics industry.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful category strategies, driving cost savings, and optimizing supplier relationships.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze market data, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and make data-driven decisions.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across diverse teams.
- Knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in procurement and supply chain management.
- Fluency in German and English languages.
Location: This position is based in Germany, with occasional travel as required.
