Category Manager Indirect

Overview

Develop strategies, lead sourcing events, and manage supplier performance for indirect spend.

Key Responsibilities

• strategic sourcing
• supplier management
• item masterdata
• contract creation
• category strategy
• claims management

Tasks

-Coordinate light strategic sourcing events (e.g., Light Tendering, Spot-Buys, Auctions) that are executed by the Centre of Excellence (CoE), analyzing scope and requirements, validating sourcing request forms, shortlisting suppliers, conducting negotiations, and recommending suppliers for award -Own and be accountable for the overall performance of suppliers within your assigned category cluster and assigned categories, fostering collaboration and managing risks effectively -When required, review details within Purchase Requisitions (PR) for non-catalog items and request clarification from requester(s) -Responsible for ensuring mutual alignment and effective communication between global and regional category teams to maintain consistent strategies and maximize global leverage -Identify, assess, and implement activities within the designated category that can be transitioned to the Center of Excellence (CoE) to enhance operational support and efficiency. -Develop and coordinate category strategy in alignment with category cluster strategy, setting up cross-functional category teams (e.g., with Facilities, HR), analyzing internal business needs, coordinating supply market research, identifying new suppliers, recognizing opportunities for cost savings in your assigned categories and commissioning detailed cost analysis if required. -Initiate and oversee the claims process with suppliers, when necessary, to address performance issues, quality defects, or contractual non-compliance -Accountable for actively managing Item Master Data for your assigned categories (suppliers, items, catalogs, prices, etc.) with support from MDM Specialists -In collaboration with Legal, oversee the creation of contracts and enforce the use of contract templates for the legal engagement of suppliers -Initiate and oversee supplier onboarding for new suppliers -Develop, implement, and maintain the required policies for your categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements -Lead complex sourcing events, setting up cross functional sourcing event teams, overseeing the creation of RfX documents, setting selection and awarding criteria, validating the longlist of suppliers, evaluating proposals, shortlisting suppliers for further negotiations, conducting negotiations, and awarding contracts

Requirements

• strategic sourcing
• negotiations
• leadership
• procurement
• compliance
• collaboration

What You Bring

-Knowledge and practical experience with strategic sourcing methodologies and tools, potentially validated through a certification (e.g., APICS, CPSM, SCMP) -Experience in leading complex sourcing events and negotiations, with the ability to set clear objectives and evaluate supplier proposals effectively -Leadership qualities to guide and develop the category team, managing Category Coordinators and collaborating with Supplier Relationship Managers -A strong background (+ 5 Years) in procurement or supply chain management, with a proven track record in category management and strategic sourcing -Knowledge of sourcing policies, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements to ensure compliance in all procurement activities -Excellent collaboration skills to work closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and legal teams to ensure compliance and alignment with business objectives -Ability to travel internationally up to 15% of the time

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About Vanderlande

-Grew under the name Rapistan Lande in the 1960s, adopting 'Vanderlande' in 1989 and expanding internationally into material-handling automation. -Delivers integrated solutions—innovative systems, smart software, and lifecycle services—to warehouses, airports, and parcel hubs. -Its baggage systems operate in numerous airports, moving a large volume of bags annually. -Parcel systems sort millions of items daily. -FY2024 net revenue reached about €2.2 billion, supported by a healthy order book and steady intake. -Typical projects include large-scale airport baggage halls, e-commerce warehouse sortation, and parcel distribution hubs. -Specializes in airport baggage handling, warehouse automation, and parcel-sorting systems—trusted by top global retailers. -Unusual fact: 9 of the 15 largest food retailers rely on its warehouse systems, processing deliveries for same-day promises worldwide.

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