Global Category Manager Direct Materials (m/f/d)
Knauf stands for opportunity. This exciting role offers you the ideal opportunity to begin and further develop an impressive career within a values-driven culture.
As a global building materials manufacturer with around 43,500 employees in over 90 countries, we offer diverse opportunities to ambitious talent. We value every contribution and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment with the aim of developing sustainable solutions for a better future.
Knauf Gips KG is proud to be a part of the Knauf Group. With a long-standing tradition, and a growing international presence, we are seeking dedicated individuals to help us achieve our long-term vision.
Can you say ‘yes’?
Is respectful and appreciative interaction within the team a given for you?
Do you always put the customer at the center of your actions?
Do you consider the future and upcoming generations in your actions?
Do you strive for personal and professional growth?
What you'll do
You analyze global procurement markets and identify relevant suppliers, technologies, capacities, cost drivers and key market developments for your assigned categories
In close cooperation with internal business partners, you develop and implement global category strategies, lead sourcing and RfX activities, and conduct fact-based negotiations with suppliers
Responsibilities also include increasing cost transparency, driving savings, and ensuring accurate documentation and tracking in line with internal requirements
In addition, you manage the supplier portfolio, align stakeholders, prepare clear management presentations and decision papers, and lead cross-functional projects internationally
A further focus lies in supporting the category sustainability roadmap, driving supplier engagement and decarbonization activities, and sharing procurement best practices across regions and business areas
Who you are
You hold an university degree in management, economics, or a related discipline and bring at least five years of relevant experience in an industrial or consulting environment
Expertise in strategic procurement of direct materials, sourcing, category management and supplier management, combined with practical experience in strategy execution an supplier negotiations
Strong affinity for technology and digital tools, including the responsible use of approved AI applications, combined with excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills for analysis, reporting and management presentations
Success in this role requires an authentic, target-driven and self-managed personality with strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a disciplined approach to documentation and follow-up
Experience with Jaggaer or a comparable e-sourcing platform is preferred, basic knowledge of Tableau and SAP is an advantage, and a willingness to travel internationally for up to 30% is required
What we offer you
We all shape our lives individually. As an employer, we play a significant role in the daily life of our employees and aim to support them with various offerings. This includes, among other things:
Security: Permanent employment contract in a stable, successful family-owned company.
Flexibility: 30 days of vacation, special leave for certain occasions, flexitime account with a broad time window for flexible working and weekly 2 home office days.
Fitness and health: Discounts on various sports and leisure activities (e.g., fitness studio Iphofen, swimming training, soccer, etc.), as well as opportunities for active health promotion through our company doctor and occupational health and safety offers.
Daily time savings: Ample parking and direct access to public transport from the company premises (train, bus).
Future planning: Subsidies for capital-forming benefits and offers for company pension schemes.
Welcome approach: Individual onboarding days, company and team events, subsidized company canteen and our Barista coffee bar.
Career and professional development: Individual support and promotion for part-time studies, further education and training.
Benefits and vouchers: Discounts on well-known brands and reduced-price employee purchases.
E-Bike leasing: Using tax advantages while promoting your own health
Knauf as an employer
Knauf Gips KG is a German company specialising in innovative systems for dry construction, flooring, plaster and facades. Our high quality dry construction systems are renowned for their excellent acoustic, fire and thermal insulation for floors, walls and ceilings.
The Knauf Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we make all personnel decisions across all areas of our company based on experience, skills and integrity. We encourage applicants from all walks of life to apply for our positions, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, origin, religion and so forth.
Share our values and become part of the team to shape the future of Knauf together.