The Category Manager defines and executes global category and sourcing strategies that support business priorities while ensuring cost efficiency, supply assurance, quality, innovation, and risk mitigation. The role manages strategic supplier partnerships, drives procurement best practices, and works closely with cross-functional stakeholders to enhance supplier performance, maximize value creation, and contribute to Nokia's overall competitiveness and growth.
Responsibilities- Define and execute global category strategies that support business requirements, cost optimization, innovation, quality, and supply continuity.
- Lead supplier selection, onboarding, performance management, and relationship development across assigned categories.
- Drive strategic sourcing initiatives, RFx processes, contract negotiations, and supplier lifecycle management.
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align procurement activities with business priorities and market dynamics.
- Monitor supplier performance, risks, market intelligence, and technology roadmaps to support informed decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes, SOX requirements, and contractual obligations.
- Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities, manage savings reporting, and contribute to business competitiveness.
- Act as the primary escalation point for supplier-related issues while leading virtual teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Must Have:
- Bachelors of Masters degree with relevant field with 12+ years of experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, or Supply Chain Management within a global organization.
- Expertise in supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, RFx processes, and procurement lifecycle management.
- Proven experience in cost analysis, supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and driving sourcing strategies.
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to work across global and multicultural teams.
- Familiar with Source-to-Pay (S2P), supplier quality management, compliance frameworks, and SOX requirements.
- Expertise in supply market intelligence, supplier development programs, and category optimization methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to lead virtual teams, manage complex projects, and drive transformation initiatives in a global matrix organization.
Nice to Have:
- Familiar in the Telecommunications, Technology, IT Services, or Network Infrastructure industry.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field
- 12+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain management within a global organization
- Expertise in supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, RFx processes, and procurement lifecycle management
- Experience in cost analysis, supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and sourcing strategy development
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and influencing skills
- Experience working across global and multicultural teams
- Familiarity with Source-to-Pay processes, supplier quality management, compliance frameworks, and SOX requirements
- Expertise in supply market intelligence, supplier development programs, and category optimization methodologies
- Ability to lead virtual teams, manage complex projects, and drive transformation initiatives in a global matrix organization
- Familiarity with telecommunications, technology, IT services, or network infrastructure industries
Nokia Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nokia and has not been reviewed or approved by Nokia.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs include a global employee share purchase plan with company matching and multi‑year share awards. These mechanisms broaden participation and tie rewards to long‑term outcomes.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes major medical plans with supplementary options such as vision, legal services, and care navigation. The range of offerings indicates comprehensive support for medical needs.
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Parental & Family Support — A global policy grants paid leave for new parents regardless of gender and provides structured return‑to‑work support. Company‑paid life insurance further strengthens family protection across regions.
Nokia Insights
What We Do
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
