Senior Category Manager – IT & Software

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Germany.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the strategic procurement for the complete IT landscape, which encompasses SaaS, licenses, hardware, and IT services.

• Formulate and implement category strategies aimed at consolidating volume, reducing costs, and fostering sustainable supplier relationships.

• Conduct RFQ/RFP processes, ongoing negotiations, and intricate price negotiations with IT vendors and software providers.

• Oversee and enhance supplier relationships, with an emphasis on contract quality and cost optimization.

• Detect software redundancies, overlaps, and potential for consolidation across various business units.

• Initiate and execute cost-reduction measures through volume bundling and contract optimization.

• Establish structured forecasting for license and hardware volumes.

• Negotiate enterprise agreements and framework contracts with key IT suppliers.

• Collaborate with business units to critically assess software and hardware requirements.

• Guide new requirements from market analysis through vendor evaluation, comparison, and contract awarding.

• Encourage awareness of cost efficiency in IT resource utilization.

• Direct KPIs and data-driven reporting within managed categories.

• Standardize workflows in ERP and procurement systems.

• Share expertise and advocate for best practices within the team.

⛳️ Requirements

• A degree in Business Informatics, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, preferably with a technical or IT-centric focus.

• Several years of experience in strategic indirect procurement of IT hardware and software.

• Strong comprehension of SaaS models, license structures, hardware procurement, and IT service agreements.

• Experience in conducting RFQ/RFP processes, ongoing negotiations, and structuring enterprise agreements and framework contracts.

• Demonstrated success in volume consolidation and implementing cost-reduction initiatives.

• Strong capability to critically evaluate requirements and assess alternatives in an organized manner.

• Highly analytical and data-driven, with a robust understanding of cost structures and contract models.

• Confident communicator, persuasive with business stakeholders and external suppliers at all levels.

• Proficient in English.

🏝️ Benefits

• An international, dynamic, and highly motivated team.

• A direct impact on the energy transition and climate initiatives.

• Opportunities to learn from colleagues.

• Direct access to key decision-makers.

• Remote work available across Germany, with offices in Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.

• EGYM Wellpass benefits and discounts.

• Futurebens benefits and discounts.

• Job bike leasing options, including city bikes or e-bikes.