Group Category Manager, Strategic Partnerships

Group Category Manager Strategic Partnerships (Drylining Insulation & Drainage)

Do you like working with international stakeholders creating new business cases for our categories and driving strategic partnerships in category management Then we have an exciting role in our in Heavy Building Materials team within STARK Group Sourcing which we invite you to apply for sooner than later.

STARK Sourcing is part of STARK Group a successful international company and the largest distributor of heavy building materials in Northern Europe. Our company is present in 11 countries with 19.000 employees and more than 1.100 branches. Please see more:

Your primary tasks

• Market research: With your understanding of the market dynamics in the building materials business you will help us become the winning distributor in the categories.
• Relationship Management: Establish a structured meeting framework with key suppliers/partners and internal stakeholders fostering strong relationships and effective communication.
• European Supplier Program: You will act as the primary point of contact for STARK Group suppliers in the category be accountable for suppliers joining our European Supplier Program (ESP) and you will develop and maintain partnerships with suppliers in the ESP maximizing the involvement and commercial contributions.
• Business Development: By staying current on industry developments trends and internal business analysis you will initiate strategic decisions develop new business ideas within our categories and expand our strategic supplier footprint through our business.
• Driving Results: Your focus is on maximizing the performance and profitability in our Heavy Building Materials business.
• Supplier Portfolio: You will improve our supplier landscape in collaboration with our Business Units considering concentration and balance; net cost price brand power and tender vs. forecast utilisation.
• Assortment Development: Coordinate and lead the review and implementation of assortment activities in collaboration with the Business Unit category-teams.
• Contract Management: Establish supplier frame contracts and strategic processes in cooperation with Business Units sourcing management.
• Marketing Activities: Define and agree on common supplier campaigns and marketing activities in coordination with Business Units category teams.
• Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate sharing of best practice to drive performance and compliance.

Your profile

• You have excellent stakeholder management skills as well as strong relationship management and networking skills.
• Your working style is structured and self-driven.
• You have a capability and interest to work on a variety of tasks from strategy and strategic direction to making business cases.
• You have excellent communication and presentation skills.
• You have prior experience in category management experience from the industry or builders merchant business is a plus but not a must.
• You are capable off constructively challenge and influence at a senior level.
• You have proven experience with fact based and strategic negotiation skills.
• You understand operational execution/processes and challenges.
• You possess analytical and numerical skills with the ability to assimilate information.
• You are self-motivated and results driven.
• The Heavy Building team is international located so you should be comfortable working in English (corporate language).

What we offer

• An important stakeholder management role in a large and internationally expanding company with the opportunity to influence and add true value.
• Closeness to top management and decision making.
• Attractive compensation package with a bonus component.
• A flexible and international work environment.
• Travelling to international meetings and for personal stakeholder management with suppliers and our Business Units is part of the job.

How to apply

We look very much forward to receiving your application and a CV and latest November 21st 2025. You will report directly to Group Category Director Heavy Building Materials Matthias Habedank. If you have any questions please feel welcomed to contact him via email .