IT Category Manager – Infrastructure

The IT Category Manager is part of the IT Infrastructure Tower within global SCM IMS IT Sourcing, responsible for executing deals for infrastructure and end‑user technologies. The role manages sourcing, contracts, and supplier performance in alignment with strategies and operational direction set by the Infrastructure Tower Functional Manager.

• 5+ years of experience in IT procurement, category management, or supplier management. Experience in large, complex, global industrial or engineering organizations.
• Solid knowledge of IT hardware, networking, telecom, or end‑user computing categories.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with technical leaders.
• Experience managing small teams (2–3 FTEs).
• Strong commercial negotiation and contract drafting skills.
• Experience with SAP Ariba and S/4HANA procurement processes.
• Working knowledge of ITIL, networking fundamentals, and infrastructure lifecycle management.
• Advanced analytics skills (TCO modelling, benchmarking, spend analysis).

• Execute global commercial category strategies defined by the Infrastructure Tower Functional Manager. Ensure commercial strategy complements the technical and operational strategy—not duplicates or overrides it.
• Perform spend analysis, market analysis, and demand forecasting to identify opportunities for savings, risk mitigation, and supplier innovation.
• Lead global sourcing events using SAP Ariba Sourcing (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs).
• Negotiate global contracts, pricing agreements, maintenance services, and telecom/network agreements.
• Collaborate with Legal, Cybersecurity, Export Control, Data Privacy, and IT Governance to ensure fully compliant contracting.
• Manage commercial relationships with assigned OEMs, resellers, and telecom/network service providers. Conduct QBRs and performance reviews, jointly with the Infrastructure Tower Functional Manager when commercial topics are involved.
• Manage related HR administrative tasks and processes for a small team of Sourcing Professionals. Provide coaching, performance evaluations, and development opportunities.
• Drive commercial value through: Price benchmarking, supplier consolidation, standardization initiatives, contract harmonization, consumption and lifecycle optimization.
• Support budgeting and forecasting alongside IT, IT Controlling and the Infrastructure Tower Functional Manager.
• Maintain contract documentation in Ariba Contracts and ensure correct lifecycle management. Support audit activities and risk assessments for major suppliers and service providers.