Global Category Lead (m/f/diverse) ContiTech Information Technology - REF94785X

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets. 

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America."

As a Global Category Lead, you play a key strategic role in ContiTechs global purchasing organization. You drive category strategies, manage international supplier relationships, and work closely with global stakeholders — always focused on value creation, transparency, and sustainable results.

In this role, your key responsibilities include the following focus areas:

Management

• Lead and develop a global team in line with Continental’s leadership principles
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and foster a motivated, high-performing team
• Support team members in complex or challenging situations

Stakeholder Partnership

• Act as the interface between Purchasing, Engineering, Plants, and Suppliers
• Translate business and purchasing strategies into concrete actions
• Train and support stakeholders in methods, tools, and processes

Category Management

• Build and implement the global category and supplier strategy
• Analyze data to identify spend, demand, and improvement opportunities
• Define KPIs, track progress, and ensure transparent communication
• Ensure alignment and satisfaction of global stakeholders

Supplier Relationship Management

• Analyze global supplier markets and conduct benchmarks
• Maintain strategic, long-term supplier relationships
• Lead annual and strategic negotiations to optimize costs
• Ensure compliance with BPCoC, Responsible Value Chain, and support new supplier onboarding

Sourcing to Contract

• Independently conduct international negotiations with audit-proof documentation
• Drive make-or-buy decisions and value engineering initiatives
• Manage escalations, claims, and strategic complaints
• Oversee contract lifecycle management in full compliance with internal guidelines

• Academic degree in business administration, engineering or comparable qualification
• Several years of professional experience in purchasing within large international companies; ideally in technical purchasing (NPM) with a proven track record
• Proven leadership experience and solid project management skills
• Confident user of MS Office, SAP R/3, and modern sourcing tools
• Excellent English skills; additional languages are an advantage
• Affinity for cooperation with people and intercultural competences
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities with high intercultural competence
• Resilient, reliable, collaborative, and globally minded
• Willingness to travel internationally

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

The well-being of our employees is important to us. That's why we offer exciting career prospects and support you in achieving a good work-life balance with additional benefits such as:

• Training opportunities
• Mobile and flexible working models
• Sabbaticals

and much more...

Sounds interesting for you? Click here to find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging are important to us and make our company strong and successful. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.

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Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.