Global Category Manager- Automation & Electrical Items (fmd)
Alcobendas - Spain
Job Summary
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:
- 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 costsaving opportunities including price and technical comparisons
- Lead crossfunctional 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 crosscultural teams
- Strong stakeholder management and networking skills
- Strategic mindset with excellent analytical and problemsolving 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.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
GEA makes an important contribution to a sustainable future with its solutions and services, particularly in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors.