Category Manager - Indirect Procurement

Do you want to play a key role in shaping global procurement strategies within a fast‑growing, future‑oriented business?

ABB E‑mobility is looking for a Global Category Manager - Indirect Procurement to lead strategic sourcing and category management at global level, creating measurable value while driving innovation, cost optimization, and resilience across critical indirect spend categories. In this role, you will operate with full global ownership of your assigned commodity - such as Professional Services & HR, IT, or Logistics - while working in close collaboration with regional procurement teams and a wide network of international stakeholders. You will be empowered to think entrepreneurially, influence decisions at scale, and transform complexity into competitive advantage.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to ABB E‑mobility’s mission and growth, in an international environment that values accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

 

Your Responsibilities

 

• Define, own, and execute the global category strategy for the assigned indirect commodity, acting with an entrepreneurial mindset and end‑to‑end accountability
• Lead global strategic sourcing activities, including supplier scouting, selection, negotiations, and contract management
• Drive cost optimization and value creation initiatives, delivering ambitious savings targets while maintaining quality, continuity, and compliance
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and regional buyer teams to ensure effective strategy deployment and alignment with business objectives
• Actively manage supplier performance, monitor market trends, and identify risks and opportunities to strengthen supply resilience
• Promote continuous improvement and digital transformation initiatives, including the use of data analytics, automation, and AI‑related solutions

 

Your Background

 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
• 5–10 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management, preferably within indirect spend areas
• Proven experience managing global or multi‑regional supplier portfolios within a matrixed and international organization
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to influence at senior leadership level
• A resilient and anti‑fragile mindset, able to operate effectively in dynamic environments and turn pressure into opportunities
• Solid proficiency in SAP S/4HANA, SAP Ariba, and advanced Excel
• CIPS certification (e.g. Level 4–6) is considered a strong plus, as well as previous experience in top‑tier consulting firms

 

Location & Working Model

 

• The role is based in Valdarno (San Giovanni Valdarno – AR)
• Full on‑site presence (5/5) is required during the first 6 months, to support onboarding, stakeholder alignment, and category familiarization
• After the initial period, a hybrid working model (up to 3 days per week of smart working) may be considered, subject to business needs and mutual agreement