Category Manager

DHL (Supply Chain)•Westerville, OH

10d

About The Position

DHL is hiring a Category Manager to lead and support strategic sourcing initiatives across procurement categories. The role includes developing and implementing procurement strategies aligned with global direction, managing supplier relationships, leading sourcing and tender processes, negotiating contracts, and delivering savings, efficiency, quality, and service improvements. Depending on the specific category and initiative, the Category Manager will lead procurement-cycle activities directly or work with global Category Managers and sourcing teams to support stakeholders. The job descriptions identify different category scopes. One focuses on Warehouse Solutions across the Americas, including warehouse material-handling equipment, maintenance and spare parts, automated storage and retrieval systems, logistics robots, and packing systems. It includes leading regional category strategy, managing strategic suppliers, conducting complex tenders and negotiations, and working with senior business leaders. The other focuses on Network Supplies, with near-term projects in packaging and print, and mentions experience sourcing or managing packaging and corporate wear. It emphasizes local stakeholder relationships, increasing managed spend, savings delivery, supplier selection and management, spend analysis, and tracking project benefits. The position works with internal stakeholders, business colleagues, and global sourcing teams in a corporate procurement environment. The posting describes an international and virtual environment and, for one version of the role, willingness to travel 10% of the time and work globally when appropriate.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, international management, supply chain management, or a related field; an alternate posting accepts a BS/BA or college diploma, preferably in business administration, finance, engineering, marketing, or sales, or equivalent experience.
At least 8 years of procurement experience, preferably in the warehouse equipment category; an alternate posting requires 6+ years in the field of expertise with a BS/BA or diploma, or 4+ years of related experience with an MS/MA.
Experience with procurement, contract drafting in English, and negotiation.
Demonstrated experience with sourcing technologies, including familiarity with reverse auctions, online bidding procedures, e-procurement, or other relevant tools.
Proven experience negotiating complex, high-value projects.
Experience managing complex projects in a multifunctional, fast-paced environment; project management experience.
Strong negotiation and analytical skills, including the ability to develop cost models and financial projections.
Strategic and critical thinking skills and the ability to drive procurement initiatives successfully.
Strong customer orientation and the ability to present procurement solutions to internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent influencing skills and ability to engage stakeholders and drive strategic decisions.
Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a team; adaptability to changing business needs and comfort working in agile environments.
Fluency in English; additional language skills are an advantage.
Willingness to travel 10% of the time and work globally if appropriate, as stated in one posting.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the warehouse equipment category.
Experience sourcing or managing packaging and corporate wear.
Additional language skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement regional, country, or local procurement and category strategies aligned with global strategies.
Provide sourcing support for business initiatives, conduct supply-market research, and establish frame contracts.
Lead strategic sourcing activities for the relevant categories, including warehouse solutions or Network Supplies, packaging, and print.
Identify sourcing opportunities, analyze spend, and initiate projects to achieve cost savings and efficiencies.
Develop, consolidate, and manage strategic supplier relationships; identify and recommend best-in-class suppliers and develop new suppliers when needed.
Conduct complex tenders and negotiate supplier contracts, including high-value projects.
Meet or exceed established annual cash-savings targets and realize procurement benefits while meeting business requirements for quality, price, and service.
Manage sourcing projects and track category project progress and benefits using corporate performance-management requirements and tools.
Cooperate with global sourcing teams and Category Managers to develop and implement local procurement strategies and support stakeholders.
Build relationships with local stakeholders and senior business leaders, and communicate and influence procurement approaches.
Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant supply markets, category expertise, external innovation, and market trends.
Support sourcing initiatives in other regions and cross-regional knowledge sharing.
Apply corporate compliance and ESG rules.
Use sourcing technologies and tools, including reverse auctions, online bidding procedures, and e-procurement tools, where applicable.