Category Manager - Indirect Materials Energy & Utilities

About the role

Zeppelin is looking for a Category Manager for indirect materials and services, reporting to the Head of Category Management Indirect Materials, based in Steinhausen, Switzerland. You will manage the global strategic approach to the indirect spend category "Energy & Utilities" across the Zeppelin Group, covering sourcing strategies, supplier management, contract negotiations and cost optimisation, in close collaboration with stakeholders and suppliers worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships to secure competitive terms and a stable supply chain
• Develop and implement sustainable category strategies to improve quality, cost structure and availability
• Carry out market analyses to identify suppliers and technologies
• Redesign and implement strategic supplier management
• Set up supplier forecasting systems based on S&OP processes
• Prepare requests for proposals, run bid comparisons and negotiate prices and terms, including framework agreements
• Draft and negotiate contracts, handling contract law and correspondence with attorneys
• Define sourcing specifications and set KPI-based risk management for the category
• Coordinate interfaces with operational procurement, master data, operations planning, product management, engineering, logistics, quality management and finance

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Economics or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in strategic or project-specific procurement
• Fluent English and German; other languages are a plus
• Willingness to travel

Required skills

• Negotiation and analytical skills, with expertise in cost and risk management
• Knowledge of contract law and negotiation
• Understanding of technical requirements, project workflows and agile working methods