Procurement Category Insights Expert

We are seeking a skilled Category Insights Expert to join our Global Procurement team in Elsbethen. If you are passionate about working in an international fast-paced environment and enjoy cross-functional collaboration, this role is for you.

 

As a Category Insights Expert, you will provide specialized analytical support to the Strategic Indirect Procurement Managers. Your primary focus will be on data-driven insights, market intelligence, to support the development of category strategies. In addition, you will play a crucial role in enhancing procurement efficiency through implementation of procurement standards, tools and processes and, through the continuous optimization of procurement practices such as streamlining tender and contract management processes, and continuously monitoring and analyzing indirect procurement spend.

SPEND VISIBILITY AND MARKET INTELLIGENCE

By providing and improving spend visibility across indirect procurement categories, you will help identify potential improvements. You will collect and research insightful market data, including market and industry trends, benchmarks, value chain insights, supplier landscape, and risk factors. Through this market analysis, you will derive recommendations that enable fact-based decision-making and actively contribute to the development and tracking of mid-to-long-term category strategies. Your practical experience in working with data, your know how in procurement and strategic sourcing will be of essential help in interpreting category-specific information effectively.

CATEGORY INSIGHTS AND SOURCING SUPPORT

You will implement category-specific sourcing standards, tools, and processes to achieve transparent, efficient, and professional execution of strategic sourcing events. Continuously monitoring and analyzing procurement spend, you will identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure alignment with defined goals. Additionally, by providing category-specific insights to indirect procurement managers, you will support the identification of improvements and enable consistent and reliable outcomes.

SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE METRICS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Assist in developing and maintaining supplier performance metrics for Indirect Procurement. This role requires highlighting monetary and non-monetary improvement potentials, such as cost savings and service level improvements. You will identify key risks within specific categories and ensure that tools and structures are in place for Procurement Managers to conduct thorough assessments. Furthermore, you will facilitate effective supplier management by providing the necessary tools and frameworks to support continuous performance monitoring and feedback, thereby strengthening supplier relationships and supporting internal stakeholders and category owners in these efforts.

CROSS FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

You will develop a deep understanding of other business areas within the company, enabling you to take the support in various indirect procurement topics effectively. You will actively engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and implement improvement initiatives from a procurement perspective. This role involves working closely with the indirect procurement manager and other stakeholders to execute tenders in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts. Additionally, you will guide internal stakeholders in converting negotiated terms into procurement processes that are aligned with HQ procurement guidelines.

EXPERIENCE Your areas of knowledge and expertise

that matter most for this role:

• Education level/experience within same role/area, such as Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or Finance, or experience in Procurement Analytics or Category Management
• Advanced proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required, German or other languages is considered a plus
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational procurement processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive procurement efficiencies.
• Proactive and detail-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Previous experience within category management or strategic procurement is preferred.