Description
Category Manager IT Infrastructure
The Corporate Procurement Department is a key contributor to effective spend management and is responsible for all Group non-payroll spend.
The Corporate Procurement organization is build around Category Managers and Buyers.
Category Managers and Buyers are reporting to a Procurement Director who is ensuring a close alignment with the respective management teams
Role:
The IT Infra Category Manager is responsible for the definition and implementation of the optimal sourcing approach for all products, services and works within his spend domain and this for the total group. It includes all the System Software and Hardware purchases for the Group and includes supplier relationship with key IT market players.
Depending on the spend category, the Category Manager is responsible for the sourcing of approx. 30 to 60 M€, and is usually working in a cross-functional environment.
Main activities
As Category Manager, your main objectives are to:
- Implement a procurement strategy for all products, services and works within his spend categories and this for the total Group.
- Manage categories of spend through a network of suppliers in order to ensure business and strategic objectives are met.
You align sourcing strategies with changing business needs by challenging internal demand of the stakeholders to external supply markets and you implement saving levers related to your category.
You develop and maintain a network with category supply markets, ie suppliers, influencers, etc.
In collaboration of the whole Corporate Procurement department, you share expertise and apply best business and procurement practices. You assemble and analyze all relevant information into an innovative business concept.
You contribute to the procurement methodology & attitude and with a commercial approach to spend reduction.
Profile:
- You have a min of 10 years of experience in Procurement.
- You have acquired a solid knowledge and experience in your area of responsibilities being the IT infrastructure environment including both Hardware (DC, storage) and System Software (IT landscape and software cost drivers).
- You have clear understanding of service levels and the whole life cycle of software management
- You have deep insight in license metrics and complexity of multi-site and multi-datacenter licensing issues
- You are used to work in an international setting
- You understand the concepts of SPM and SRA
- You have gained a strong IT market knowledge: technologies, players, drivers, trends and challenges.
- You are sensitive to the confidentiality of information and ethics are key to you
- You have excellent relationship management skills
- You have strong negotiation skills and have the ability to negotiate major IT deals in autonomy.
- You are capable to work under pressure and keep focus on the best corporate solution
- You have a high level of ownership and can act autonomously as an advisor in your area of expertise.
- Your written and oral English is fluent. French and/or Dutch are an asset.