Position Purpose, Responsibilities, and Key Duties
The Category Manager will be responsible for the strategic management and commercial development of the assigned product categories within the purchasing process. The primary objective is to maximize value, ensure supply quality, and optimize costs in alignment with corporate business goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Category Strategy: Define, implement, and monitor purchasing strategies for assigned categories, identifying improvement opportunities and new supply sources;
* Supplier Management: Conduct scouting, selection, and qualification of new suppliers;
* Relationship Management: Manage relationships with key suppliers through periodic negotiations of prices, supply terms, and framework agreements;
* Analysis and Reporting: Conduct in-depth market analysis (cost analysis, benchmarking, industry trends) to support strategic decisions;
* Performance Monitoring: Prepare detailed reports on category performance trends;
* Internal Collaboration: Work closely with the Sales, Logistics, and Finance teams to ensure correct strategy implementation and optimal inventory management;
* Budgeting: Contribute to the definition of the annual expenditure budget for assigned categories and monitor compliance.
Position Requirements
Qualifications and Prerequisites
* Minimum of 3 years of proven experience as a Category Manager or Strategic Buyer, with a solid background in the procurement world;
* Degree in Economics, Management, or Engineering;
* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for analysis, reporting, and category data monitoring;
* Knowledge of the SAP ERP system is preferred;
* Strong proficiency in Business Intelligence (BI) tools for strategic data analysis and decision support;
* Good knowledge of English (required for managing relationships with international suppliers.
Soft Skills
* Strong ability to work in a team and build effective relationships with colleagues and suppliers;
* Strong result orientation and excellent negotiation and communication skills;
* Analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to manage priorities in dynamic contexts.