Head of Category Management – Indirect Non-CAT Materials

About the role

Zeppelin Group's Procurement department is looking for a Head of Category Management for indirect non-CAT materials. You will lead strategic category management across the Group, define category strategies, playbooks, savings contributions, supplier evaluation and risk management, and enable Category Managers to deliver measurable value and sustainable supplier relationships. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and has Category Managers as direct reports. Preference is given to candidates based in Steinhausen (Switzerland) or at one of Zeppelin's European locations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development of global strategic procurement activities, including a tiered supplier portfolio aligned with internal stakeholder needs
• Analyse markets, manage key suppliers, oversee tenders and pitches, and report results to management
• Develop and implement category strategies and standards focused on efficiency, spend consolidation, tail-end spend, transparency and sustainability
• Analyse opportunities and risks and assess current and future supply of services and materials regarding sustainability, technology, quality and cost
• Set sourcing guidelines for indirect materials and build a KPI-based risk management system for managed categories
• Negotiate with suppliers and finalise contracts in line with local laws
• Own the direct-materials savings pipeline governance, sponsor strategic supplier management and improve procurement processes, reporting and data quality
• Act as interface to business units, agreeing demand forecasts and specifications and aligning category roadmaps with SBU priorities
• Provide technical and disciplinary leadership, and develop and train employees in the area

Required profile

• Degree (Bachelor's or Master's) in Business, Engineering, Economics or equivalent
• 10+ years of professional experience, including 5 years in a senior management position; experience managing executives is required
• Proven track record in global strategic procurement, supply chain management and/or project or product management
• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong communication and service orientation, and ability to work with people at all levels nationally and internationally
• Leadership, empathy, negotiation, assertiveness, analytical and conceptual skills
• Fluent spoken and written English; German is beneficial
• Willingness to travel regularly across the globe