Category Manager

Summary

Join Akuo, an independent renewable energy producer, as their Category Manager for PV Panel & Structure. Based in Paris, you will enhance control and knowledge of PV modules and structures, standardizing methodology across regions. Key responsibilities include supplier management (sourcing, mapping, relationship building, framework agreements), strategic planning (pipeline maintenance, 3Y procurement plan, internal reviews, spend analysis), continuous improvement (ESG strategy, innovation roadmap), market watch (industry events, regulatory monitoring, pricing trends, competitor benchmarking), and project support (contracting, pre-qualification, tendering, REX). The role requires 3-5 years of experience in project procurement, contract drafting and negotiation, and international exposure. Fluency in French and English is essential. Akuo offers a competitive salary, remote work options, and various benefits.

Requirements

• 3-5 years experience in the following areas: project procurement, contract drafting and contract negotiation
• International and multicultural exposure
• Excellent command of both French and English

Responsibilities

• Sourcing. Identify, evaluate, and onboard new partners based on capabilities, technology, compliance requirements, and strategic priorities, including managing onboarding processes such as NDAs and KYC
• Supplier Mapping. Maintain and update the supplier profiles, including spend analysis, capabilities, power mapping, audit results, and NDA/KYC status, while monitoring ongoing topics and ensuring continuous performance assessment through KPI tracking
• Relationship Building. Foster strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers through regular engagement meetings, collaboration, and alignment on shared goals
• Frameworks. Negotiate and manage framework agreements that reflect business objectives and support long-term, value-driven partnerships
• Pipeline. Maintain a realistic, non-confidential procurement pipeline that can be shared transparently with suppliers, contractors, and partners
• Strategic Plan. Develop a 3Y procurement plan, including a strategic allocation matrix aligning group and partnerships strategies with project needs and risk mitigation
• Internal Reviews. Deliver monthly and quarterly management reviews, including key procurement metrics and supplier performance analysis
• Spend Analysis. Track and analyze spending by supplier and contractor, including indirect procurement, to identify cost-saving opportunities and strategic sourcing approaches
• ESG Strategy. Champion a best-in-class ESG approach, publicly advocate strong standards, and implement actions that elevate sustainability performance across the supply chain
• Innovation Roadmap. Lead or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in areas such as circularity, cybersecurity, digitalization, AI, and other transversal innovations
• Industry Events. Attend exhibitions, conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay informed on market developments and emerging technologies
• Regulatory & Geopolitical Monitoring. Track global regulatory changes, incentives, and barriers to ensure compliance is embedded in procurement processes
• Pricing Trends. Monitor short- and long-term price trends using market intelligence tools, RFQs, and industry memberships to inform procurement decisions
• Competitor Benchmarking. Collect and analyse competitor data to understand market positioning, strategies, and maintain competitiveness
• Lead full contracting process including drafting and negotiation (internal & external contracts)
• Pre-Qualification. Ensure supplier mapping is complete; source new suppliers and new EPCs in the regions, including on-site visits, and manage pre-qualification processes and KYC where needed
• Tendering. Support Contract and Procurement Manager tender scoring and decision-making by providing strategic insights such as supplier workload, past collaboration, compliance, and alignment with group strategies
• REX (Structuration). Support the Contract and Procurement Manager with internal preparation and external communication to non-awarded bidders, ensuring insights are captured in supplier mapping for future sourcing
• REX (Execution). Lead post-execution reviews with suppliers/contractors and ensure insights are used for continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the PV Modules market in terms of key players, geopolitical situation, prices and available technologies
• Renewable energy experience

Benefits

• Salary: between €50k to €55k + 5% target bonus
• Type of contract: permanent
• The position is open to remote work, up to 2 days per week + 10 floating days per year (i.e. 100 days per year)
• Up to 37 days off per year
• Holiday bonus, gift vouchers
• Profit-sharing
• Lunch allowance (€10 x 19 per month) 60% reimbursed
• Public transport paid at 75% of the current rate or sustainable mobility package
• Pleasant premises with landscaped terraces and gym