Indirect Category Purchasing Manager - Eastern Europe & Mediterranean (EEM)

Descripción del puesto:

The Category Manager - EEM is responsible for sourcing and category management activities in Indirect category within the Eastern Europe & Mediterranean region.

The role partners closely with Frontline (FL) business functions, project teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to identify sourcing opportunities, negotiate contracts, implement category strategies, and ensure cost-efficient, compliant, and high-quality supplier solutions. Together with Global and Area Category Managers, he contributes to the implementation of strategies across markets within FL.

The Category Manager acts as a key business partner supporting operational excellence, supplier performance, and strategic sourcing initiatives across the region.

Responsibilities

Indirect Procurement

* Resposnibility for cross-regional categeory mangement of Car Fleet, Facilities, Professional Services, Travel, PPE and IT/Mobile

* Collect and consolidate business requirements from FLs to support sourcing projects for indirect spend categories.

* Support the implementation of Area and Global category plans and sourcing projects.

* Build and imlement FL category strategies aligned with above mentioned

* Conduct additional local contract negotiations where required.

* Standardize and Uupdate local sourcing instructions and procurement policies.

* Provide guidance and support to the business on preferred supplier usage and procurement compliance.

* Support cost optimization and supplier rationalization initiatives., deliver savings based on competitive bidding and category expertize.

* Reporting to EEM Procurement Manager and to Area and Global Category managers in dotted line.

Requirements

* Proven experience in sourcing, procurement, and category management

* Experience working with project procurement and indirect procurement categories.

* Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.

* Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex sourcing activities.

* Strong analytical and commercial mindset with ability to use reporting platforms such as PowerBI etc..

* Experience managing RFXs, contracts, and supplier performance.

* Good understanding of operational and project-based business environments.

* Ability to work independently and drive initiatives proactively.

* Strong communication and collaboration skills.

* Fluent English skills, both written and spoken.

* Experience working in international and matrix organizations is considered as an advantage.

Personal Attributes

* Business and customer oriented.

* Structured and solution focused.

* Strong ownership and accountability.

* Able to balance strategic and operational priorities.

* Collaborative and relationship-oriented.

* Comfortable working in a dynamic international environment.

* Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Success Factors

Success in this role requires strong sourcing and negotiation capabilities, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to balance operational business needs with strategic procurement objectives. The successful candidate will proactively identify opportunities, ensure supplier performance, support business continuity, and contribute to cost efficiency and procurement compliance across the EEM region.

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on https://careers.kone.com/en