Regional Category Manager

About the Voith Group

The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems products services and digital applications Voith sets standards in the markets of energy paper raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867 the company today has around 22000 employees sales of 52 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

Voith Hydro is looking for

Regional Category Manager
Regional Category Manager

Job Purpose: The Regional Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing a the regional procurement strategy for a specific category of direct materials aligning with the Global Category Manager and business objectives. The role drives cost optimization supplier innovation risk management and value creation on a regional scale through effective supplier relationship management market analysis and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities:

Regional Category Strategy Development and Implementation

1) A comprehensive data-driven regional sourcing strategy (including goal setting and roadmap building) aligned with VH business objectives.

2) A sustainable implementation of the global category strategy leveraging RPO Teams and Regional Category Manager based on a transparent follow-up process.

3) A global forecast on parts level for category which is aligned with regional sourcing teams and OU engineering teams.

Supplier Relationship Management

1) Strong long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers ensure supply continuity and deliver cost efficiencies quality and in time supplies.

2) Regional supplier base is developed and optimized in collaboration with Global Category Manger (identification selection and qualification)

3) Supplier performance gets frequently assessed based on cross functional feedback (e.g. engineering logistic project management) and closely managed.

4) Long term development plans (cost cutting quality improvement footprint shifts) are developed as part of the global category strategy and implemented as part of our supplier relations ship management.

Regular insights into market trends cost drivers and supplier capabilities ensuring the business is positioned competitively within the global market.

Favourable contracts with suppliers that secure the best value for the company including price service level agreements and risk-sharing mechanisms (draft negotiate and sign global contracts and long term agreements). Maintain global contract portfolio in PurOne

Year-on-year cost reductions and value improvements through category strategies leveraging supplier capabilities and alternative sourcing solutions.

Cross-functional Collaboration

1) Close alignment with internal stakeholders (e.g. R&D operations finance) to ensure category strategy supports product development supply chain efficiency and overall business goals.

2) Serve first level support and problem solver for operational purchasing in RPO as well as consulting.

Requirements:

Proficiency in developing global category strategies that optimize cost value and risk and align with business objectives. Ability to manage a multi-million euro spend portfolio across multiple regions and stakeholders.

Expertise in building strong collaborative supplier partnerships and negotiating complex contracts with a focus on long-term value and risk mitigation.

Strong ability to analyse market trends cost structures and supplier performance data translating insights into actionable strategies.

Exceptional stakeholder management and collaboration skills able to influence and drive alignment across departments like engineering project management and finance.

Deep understanding of supply chain risks including geopolitical financial and operational risks with the ability to implement contingency plans and ensure regulatory compliance.

Strong project management skills to lead cross-functional initiatives manage supplier transitions and ensure timely implementation of sourcing strategies.

Proficient in procurement digital tools (e.g. SAP Ariba e-sourcing) and advanced analytics to drive data-driven decision-making and reporting.

Knowledge of sustainability trends and requirements with the ability to integrate sustainability metrics into category strategies to meet corporate goals.