The Role
The Global Category Manager will drive category strategy for Automation & Electrical Items globally, manage supplier relationships, and optimize costs while leading strategic sourcing initiatives and stakeholder collaborations.
Summary Generated by Built In
We are looking for a Global Category Manager – Automation & Electrical Items to drive a forward‑looking category strategy on a global scale. In this role, you will lead high‑impact sourcing initiatives, manage strategic supplier relationships, and deliver sustainable cost and value optimization across regions and businesses.
You will operate at the intersection of procurement, engineering, and suppliers, acting as a trusted partner for our divisions and business units worldwide.
You will operate at the intersection of procurement, engineering, and suppliers, acting as a trusted partner for our divisions and business units worldwide.
Responsibilities / Tasks
As Global Category Manager, you will own the global strategy for Automation & Electrical Items and translate market intelligence into tangible value for the organization.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategy & Market Intelligence- Define and continuously develop the global category strategy for Automation & Electrical Items
- Analyze global market trends, supply base dynamics, pricing, volumes, and product developments
- Provide structured global market overviews and insights to internal stakeholders
- Lead large and strategic RFQs and negotiate regional and global framework agreements
- Conduct negotiations on prices, terms, and conditions at global and regional level
- Conclude framework agreements in close cooperation with Legal and Compliance
- Manage and further develop strategic supplier relationships, focusing on cost, quality, availability, and innovation
- Consolidate and optimize the global/regional supplier base
- Assess and manage Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across the category
- Independently identify cost‑saving opportunities, including price and technical comparisons
- Lead cross‑functional projects to realize sustainable savings and process improvements
- Track savings development across divisions and implement countermeasures in case of deviations
- Act as an interface between vendors, procurement, and engineering
- Coordinate closely with divisions, business units, and legal entities worldwide
- Support local organizations in negotiations and implementation of savings initiatives
- Plan and facilitate workshops with suppliers and internal experts to unlock additional value and innovation
- Monitor and steer category spend toward preferred suppliers
Your Profile / Qualifications
Educational Background
- University degree (Bachelor or higher) in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar
- Project Management qualification is a strong plus
Professional Knowledge & Experience
- 5+ years of experience in procurement/category management
- Proven contract management experience
- Must have strong technical and market knowledge of Automation and Electrical Panels
- Experience working in global, matrix and centralized procurement organizations
- Solid background in global negotiations and supplier management
- Strong project management and change implementation skills
- High cultural awareness and experience working internationally
Other Skills & Competencies
- Fluent in English; German and/or Spanish are a plus
- Ability to lead and influence international and cross‑cultural teams
- Strong stakeholder management and networking skills
- Strategic mindset with excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities
- Comfortable working in complex matrix environments
- High level of ownership, accountability, and reliability
- Clear, confident, and convincing communication style
We offer:
- Attractive compensation package aligned with experience, responsibilities, and international exposure
- Private health insurance plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model (up to two days per week remote)
- 23 days of vacation per year
- Great work environment as part of a collaborative team
- Continuous internal training and career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally
- The opportunity to join a company recognized as a Top Employer 2026
Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in procurement/category management
- Strong technical and market knowledge of Automation and Electrical Panels
- Proven contract management experience
- Experience working in global, matrix and centralized procurement organizations
- Experience in global negotiations and supplier management
- Fluent in English
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The Company
What We Do
GEA is one of the largest technology suppliers for food processing and a wide range of other industries. The global group specializes in machinery, plants, as well as process technology and components. GEA provides sustainable solutions for sophisticated production processes in diverse end-user markets and offers a comprehensive service portfolio
