Global Category Manager (m/f/d) Cloud Services / Data Center

Your tasks

The Global Category Manager defines the strategy for all main- and sub-categories within the defined category on a global level and manages key supplier relationships (SRM).

He / she drives and supports strategic sourcing initiatives, defines, and controls the global category end-to-end Procurement cycle, and manages and optimizes supplier performance and contracts for all globally managed sub-categories within the defined category, takes interaction with stakeholders as well as senior management and budget owners whilst also ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

The role represents FTE and will be combined with another Procurement role, Strategic Sourcing Manager or Category Manager for a different category.

The Global Category Manager Cloud Services / Data Center reports to the Head of Global Category Management IT and is located at the Head Office.

1) Category Strategy :

Develop and implement category strategies for all global sub-categories in alignment with organizational targets, stakeholders, and senior management, considering market trends, cost drivers, efficiency, supplier capabilities, and risk mitigation.

Approve deviations from category strategies. Setup and maintain Category Cards for main and sub-categories on global, regional and cluster level.

Take the lead for the Category Card implementation with BPO and Procurement organization and manage exceptions.

2) Supplier Relationship Management :

Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Drive supplier innovation and value creation.

3) Strategic Sourcing :

Conduct and support strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier identification, competitive bidding, fact-based negotiations, contract award and management, and full implementation of buying channel strategy.

Drive cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency gains.

4) Stakeholder Collaboration :

Collaborate with internal stakeholders and senior management, such as Operations, Finance, Legal and Procurement (Procurement Heads, BPO Steering Manager, Procurement Excellence), to ensure alignment of Procurement strategies with business needs.

Understand their requirements and provide Procurement insights and recommendations. Establish and enhance holistic, efficient, and lean order processes on global level with stakeholders, such as call-offs, marketplaces, and catalogues, to drive operational effectiveness, and improve overall Procurement performance.

Manage and resolve escalations on various levels.

5) Demand Planning :

Propel and conduct demand planning activities together with the business to estimate and forecast future demand for goods and services, leveraging historical data, market trends, and external factors to ensure accurate predictions.

6) Risk Management :

Identify and assess risks related to the sub-categories, such as supply chain disruptions, market volatility, or regulatory changes.

Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.

7) Performance Monitoring and Reporting :

Track and evaluate supplier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs). Provide regular reports and insights to management, highlighting achievements, opportunities, and potential risks, taking various tools and data sources into consideration.

8) Continuous Improvement :

Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and efficiency gains within the sub-categories.

Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in Procurement.

9) Compliance :

Ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as ethical sourcing practices, sustainability initiatives, and international trade regulations.

10) ESG :

Drive category and suppliers in line with the ESG ambitions of the Company. Develop and establish pro-actively suppliers and solutions that support the company targets with regards to the various dimensions of ESG (Planet, People, Partners).

Requirements

Education & Experience :

• IT and Procurement background especially in :
• Cloud Services, IT Services
• Market knowledge about Data Center, Cloud Services and Service provider
• Market experience at cloud provider market, data center and IT Services
• University degree in business, SCM or a related field
• Experience in category management, strategic sourcing, Procurement or SCM
• Knowledge of Procurement processes, best practices and market trends
• Order processes with cloud provider
• Experience in negotiations with Monopolists ( AWS, Google, Microsoft)
• Experience in developing and executing category strategies
• Experience in structure complex categories and implement category strategies especially in the area of data center and cloud services

Key Competencies and Skills :

• Negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills
• Expertise in the required category, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and understanding of its dynamics, market trends and supplier landscape
• Experienced in utilizing Procurement tools such as SAP Ariba, proficient in data analysis methods including Total Cost of Ownership and a strong willingness to embrace new technologies
• Analytical mindset with the ability to utilize data and insights for decision-making and continuous improvement
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at various levels. Capability to manage and resolve escalations

Benefits

Flexible remote work

It is important to us that our employees' working hours leave enough room for family and leisure. Therefore, we offer flexible working hours and remote work by arrangement.

Attractive Conditions

In addition to a wide range of fringe benefits and a company pension scheme, we offer our employees other attractive perks.

Work climate

A good working atmosphere is close to our hearts! Only as a team can we achieve the best for our customers, employees and people worldwide.

Our offer

At DB Schenker, you are part of a global logistics network that connects the world. A network that allows you to shape your career by encouraging you to contribute and truly make a difference.

With more than 76,000 colleagues worldwide, we welcome diversity and thrive on individual backgrounds, perspectives and skills.

Together as one team, we are Here to move.