CATEGORY MANAGER

Job Description
Introduction
Vanderlande is seeking a new Category Manager to manage assigned categories and execute strategic sourcing initiatives. You will be part of the Procurement department and report directly into the Head of Regional Direct Spend for North America. As Category Manager, you will develop and execute category strategies to optimize and enhance our procurement activities across our projects. Your leadership will be critical in managing complex sourcing events and fostering strong supplier relationships to ensure our procurement activities align with business objectives and ethical standards.
Our global procurement organization enables our projects and business functions by maximizing value and minimizing risks via the procurement of goods and services in the most smart, cost-effective and sustainable way. We ensure a resilient and competitive supplier ecosystem and aim to advance towards best-in-class practices, and ensure the organization is efficient, effective, and future-proof. Furthermore, our procurement organization plays an important role in Vanderlande’s transformation from an Engineer-to-Order (ETO) to a Configure-to-Order (CTO) business model. This new model aims at enhancing value for its customers through increased standardization, scalability, and more competitive solutions.
What will you be doing?
As a Category Manager, you will manage assigned categories, gathering business requirements, supporting strategic sourcing events, assisting with the creation of sourcing projects and RfX documents, evaluating proposals, and supporting negotiations. You will manage light strategic sourcing events, conduct auctions, and respond to supplier clarifications. Additionally, you will act as a liaison between regional and global category teams to align on strategies and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned categories with insights and direction from Category Cluster Leader: gather business requirements, create/modify project charters and plans within the Category Management tool, support the contract creation process, support the supplier onboarding process, etc.
• Provide support to the Category Cluster Leader during strategic and complex sourcing events, assisting with tasks such as the creation of the sourcing projects within the S2P Suite, creation of RfX documents, evaluation of proposal based on pre-defined criteria, support the negotiation process, etc.
• Coordinate auction events by determining the auction type and strategy, compiling necessary details, inputting functional and technical requirements into the S2P suite, analyzing bids to identify the leading bidder, and selecting preferred suppliers for award recommendation
• When required, review details within Purchase Requisitions (PR) for non-catalog items and request clarification from requester(s)
• Coordinate the modification of Item Master Data for assigned categories (suppliers, items, catalogs, prices, etc.) with support from MDM Specialists

Basic Qualifications:

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Experience (+7 years) in procurement or supply chain management, with a strong understanding of category management processes
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain (or similar field) or equivalent work experience
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (domestic and international if needed)

Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Industry-recognized certification
• Prior experience in the material handling systems industry or similar project-based industry
• Knowledge and practical experience with sourcing methodologies and tools, with familiarity with S2P suites being a plus
• Proven ability to support the establishment and management of sourcing events, including stakeholder communication, documentation, and process execution
• Experience in developing and maintaining documentation to ensure high-quality and standardized category coordination activities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Soft Skills:

• Entrepreneurial spirit, ability to set own goals and get things done
• Good time management, ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Excellent negotiation skills, creative thinker, problem solver
• Good interpersonal and influencing skills, superior communicator
• Sense of customer service, cross functional team player, relationship builder
• Ability to deal with fluid situations, incomplete information, flexibility

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
About the team
Our Supply Management team in Procurement is a dynamic and collaborative group of procurement professionals dedicated to optimizing both direct and indirect spend across the organization. Our team comprises of category experts and supplier relationship managers who develop and implement tailored procurement strategies that align with local market dynamics while supporting global objectives. We cultivate robust supplier partnerships, negotiate competitive contracts, and identify opportunities for cost savings, always enhancing efficiency and value. By working closely with demand management, procurement centers of excellence, and external suppliers, we ensure all procurement activities comply with regulations and support overall business goals. Through strong relationships and effective communication across regional and global teams, we drive sustainable procurement performance and support the organization in achieving its strategic objectives.
About Vanderlande
Vanderlande is the global market leader for future-proof logistic process automation at airports and in the parcel market. Furthermore, we are also a leading supplier of process automation solutions for warehouses, which seamlessly integrate innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services.
At Vanderlande, you can develop your career, satisfy your ambitions, aspire to new heights, while enjoying personal growth and thriving on achievement.
In the challenging and responsible position of Category Manager, you will have the chance to make a significant contribution to industry-leading projects and be connected to our dedicated people and customers. We offer a position in an informal, international and professional working environment with a lot of scope for personal development. By joining our profitable and growing company you will be able to reach your goals and focus on your future.
Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Diversity & Inclusion
Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned categories with insights and direction from Category Cluster Leader: gather business requirements, create/modify project charters and plans within the Category Management tool, support the contract creation process, support the supplier onboarding process, etc.
• Provide support to the Category Cluster Leader during strategic and complex sourcing events, assisting with tasks such as the creation of the sourcing projects within the S2P Suite, creation of RfX documents, evaluation of proposal based on pre-defined criteria, support the negotiation process, etc.
• Coordinate auction events by determining the auction type and strategy, compiling necessary details, inputting functional and technical requirements into the S2P suite, analyzing bids to identify the leading bidder, and selecting preferred suppliers for award recommendation
• When required, review details within Purchase Requisitions (PR) for non-catalog items and request clarification from requester(s)
• Coordinate the modification of Item Master Data for assigned categories (suppliers, items, catalogs, prices, etc.) with support from MDM Specialist

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Experience (+7 years) in procurement or supply chain management, with a strong understanding of category management processes
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain (or similar field) or equivalent work experience
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (domestic and international if needed