Category Manager Consulting Services (mfd)

Field of Work:Procurement
Location:Berlin
Legal Entity:KWS Berlin GmbH
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time: Yes
Job ID: 17004

ForKWS Berlin GmbH we are looking for a full-time permanent Category Manager Consulting Services (m/f/d) in Berlin who will be responsible for developing and implementing global sourcing strategies for Consulting and Professional Services. As a strategic business partner to corporate functions and business units the role ensures value-driven procurement decisions optimizes external consulting spend strengthens supplier management and supports the organization in selecting the right external capabilities and commercial models.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for Consulting and Professional Services in alignment with KWS business priorities and functional requirements.

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities including demand assessment market analysis sourcing strategy development supplier selection negotiations contracting and implementation.

• Manage procurement activities across relevant consulting areas including management and strategy consulting business transformation finance HR legal and other professional services.

• Develop and negotiate effective commercial and engagement models including project-based fees time & material models retainers and outcome-based approaches where appropriate.

• Act as a trusted advisor and sparring partner to internal stakeholders challenging requirements where appropriate and translating business needs into effective sourcing and supplier strategies.

• Build manage and continuously develop strategic relationships with key consulting firms and professional service providers.

• Drive supplier consolidation preferred supplier approaches demand optimization and spend transparency to maximize value and reduce unnecessary external spend.

• Ensure competitive tension and commercial transparency through structured sourcing processes benchmarking and negotiation.

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies legal requirements data privacy regulations and internal governance frameworks.

• Identify and realize cost-saving and value-creation opportunities while ensuring access to the right expertise quality flexibility and business continuity.

• Lead procurement projects and change initiatives in a global matrix organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Business Administration Economics Supply Chain Management Industrial Engineering or a related field.

• Several years of experience in strategic procurement ideally with a strong focus on Consulting Professional Services or other indirect procurement categories.

• Proven expertise in sourcing consulting and professional services including complex tendering commercial negotiations supplier selection and contract management.

• Strong understanding of different consulting engagement and pricing models combined with the ability to evaluate commercial proposals and challenge cost structures.

• Strong experience in supplier relationship management and stakeholder management within international environments.

• Ability to understand complex business requirements and translate them into effective sourcing strategies and commercial solutions.

• Knowledge of procurement and ERP systems ideally SAP and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solutions.

• Fluent in English both written and spoken. Additional languages particularly German are an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong strategic commercial and analytical mindset.

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.

• Strong business acumen and ability to challenge requirements constructively.

• Ability to operate effectively in complex global matrix organizations.

• Strong stakeholder and change management capabilities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels including senior leadership.

• Results-oriented proactive and able to work independently with a high degree of ownership.

• Collaborative team player with a strong customer and service orientation.

About KWS

KWS is one of the worlds leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet corn cereals vegetables oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.

At KWS diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is we invite you to join us.

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