Category Manager

DHL Supply Chain•Westerville, OH

About The Position

DHL is hiring a Category Manager to support strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives. The posting describes regional procurement work aligned with global strategy, including supplier relationship management, sourcing strategy development, tenders, contract negotiations, and delivery of savings and efficiencies. The role covers warehouse solutions and equipment—including material handling equipment, maintenance and spare parts, automated storage and retrieval systems, logistics robots, and packing systems—as well as network supplies, packaging, print, and corporate wear. The Category Manager works with business stakeholders and global sourcing teams to understand demand, develop local and regional strategies, improve supplier relationships, and manage procurement projects and performance. The position requires market and spend analysis, supplier selection and management, complex negotiations, project leadership, and reporting on category progress and benefits. It also involves developing category expertise, sharing knowledge across regions, influencing senior business leaders, and complying with corporate compliance and ESG rules. The posting includes two role descriptions under the same title; one states that the role reports to the Director of Procurement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, international management, supply chain management, or a related field; the posting also accepts a BS/BA university degree or college diploma, preferably in business administration, finance, engineering, marketing, or sales, with relevant experience.
At least 8 years of procurement experience is specified in one role description, preferably in warehouse equipment; another description specifies a BS/BA or college diploma with 6 or more years in the field, or an MS/MA with 4 or more years in a related field.
Experience in category procurement, contract drafting in English, and negotiation.
Demonstrated experience with sourcing technologies, including reverse auctions, online bidding procedures, e-procurement, and 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, analytical, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to develop cost models and financial projections.
Ability to develop and successfully drive procurement initiatives and strategic sourcing projects.
High customer orientation and ability to promote 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.
Fluency in English.
Willingness to travel 10% of the time and work globally when appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Procurement experience in warehouse equipment.
Additional language skills.
Experience sourcing or managing packaging and corporate wear.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement regional and country procurement strategies aligned with global strategy.
Manage supplier relationships and lead RFPs, tenders, and supplier contract negotiations.
Provide sourcing support, supply-market research, and intelligence for business decisions and frame contracts.
Lead strategic sourcing for warehouse equipment and solutions, including material handling equipment, maintenance and spare parts, automated storage and retrieval systems, logistics robots, and packing systems.
Identify sourcing opportunities, develop and manage strategic suppliers, consolidate suppliers where appropriate, and source new suppliers when needed.
Lead complex tenders and negotiations with local, national, and international suppliers.
Achieve value contribution, savings, benefit realization, and efficiency while meeting business needs for quality, price, and service.
Manage sourcing projects and lead regional category strategy for warehouse solutions across the Americas.
Develop long-term category strategies and category expertise, including understanding markets, trends, and external innovation.
Apply game theory-based negotiation techniques and influence senior business leaders and stakeholders.
Implement corporate compliance and ESG rules.
Establish relationships with local stakeholders and provide visibility and credibility for strategic sourcing.
Meet or exceed annual cash savings targets.
Lead sourcing initiatives assigned by the Director of Procurement, including projects focused on network supplies, packaging, and print.
Cooperate with global sourcing teams to develop and implement local procurement strategies.
Identify and recommend best-in-class suppliers, manage suppliers according to corporate standards, and provide supplier feedback to relevant colleagues.
Analyze local spend data, identify savings opportunities, and initiate sourcing projects to address them.
Track category project progress and benefits and report using corporate performance management requirements and tools.
Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant supply markets.
Lead local category procurement processes and maintain supplier relationships.
Work with global Category Managers to facilitate strategic sourcing for stakeholders where required.