Strategic Category Manager

Summary

Join Continental, a leading company in Romania, as a Strategic Category Manager *SPS and take responsibility for worldwide strategic sourcing of spare parts for PPE & Office Supplies. Reporting to the Head of Global Category SPS*, you will implement the Integrated Category Strategy, adding value across all Business Areas. This role requires a global perspective, focusing on cost reduction, quality initiatives, payment terms, warranty optimization, material availability, data transparency, process improvements, and strengthening business partnerships. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including bonuses, flexible working time, home office options, and professional development opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, relevant experience, and excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Requirements

• Hold an academic degree in business administration, engineering or a comparable qualification
• Have minimum 2 years of professional experience in Purchasing (or similar functions) of large companies with international background, respective material group preferred
• Have experience in project management
• Know MS Office tools as well as SAP R/3 and World Class Sourcing Platforms
• Possess very good English language skills (written and spoken)
• Have affinity for cooperation with people and intercultural competences
• Possess negotiating skills, persuasion and communication skills
• Have the ability to work under pressure and drive execution
• Demonstrate creativity, reliability, integrity, teamwork, and operate with a global perspective
• Be willing to travel worldwide

Responsibilities

• Manage worldwide strategic sourcing in the area of spare parts for PPE & Office Supplies, including its subcategories
• Steer the implementation of the respective Integrated Category Strategy
• Create added value for all Business Areas in terms of commercial, logistical and technical enhancements
• Reduce total costs
• Support quality initiatives for internal customers
• Prolong payment terms
• Optimize warranty and liability
• Ensure worldwide availability of materials and services
• Improve data transparency and processes
• Strengthen relationships with strategic Business Partners (internally and externally)

Benefits

• 13th salary
• Performance bonus
• Christmas & Easter bonus
• Seniority bonus
• Flexible working time
• Home office
• Competitive salaries & benefits
• Health & wellness (Life Assurance, Private Health and Dental Insurance, Sport activities, Canteen, 24/7 Helpline with Psychologists etc.)
• Different discounts (tires, glasses, medical, shopping, etc.)
• Relocation bonus for non-Timisoara Residents
• Professional development opportunities (in Technical and Leadership Areas)
• International Work Environment & Traveling Opportunities