Category Manager - Direct

Category Manager - Direct (a) Our client from the advanced engineering industry located in Basel is looking for a Category Manager (a) with strong technical understanding (focus direct categories). The role focuses on supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure cost efficiency, supply continuity, and operational excellence while supporting high-value technical programs. Category Manager - Direct (a) Our client from the advanced engineering industry located in Basel is looking for a Category Manager (a) with strong technical understanding (focus direct categories). The role focuses on supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure cost efficiency, supply continuity, and operational excellence while supporting high-value technical programs. 100% onsite presence desired. Description The Category Manager (a) will drive strategic sourcing and category management across a complex, project-based engineering environment. Own and Lead Category Strategy: Define and execute category strategies for assigned spend areas, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and program needs. Build category structure and governance. Act as Primary Procurement Lead: Serve as the key procurement and category lead within MRO, RMU, and Completions project teams, leveraging deep technical and commercial knowledge. Manage Supplier Life cycle: Oversee supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and performance for critical goods and services. Prepare business cases including total cost of ownership and ROI analysis. Steer Category Performance: Drive category performance to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives in line with business needs. Conduct Market and Supplier Analysis: Perform market analysis, supplier capability assessments, and cost bench-marking to inform data-driven sourcing decisions. Collaborate with Engineering and Production: Influence specifications toward cost-effective and supply-secure solutions. Drive Supplier Performance Improvements: Implement supplier performance improvement plans, addressing quality, delivery, and cost targets. Monitor and Report Category KPIs: Develop, monitor, and report on KPIs such as cost savings, on-time delivery, supplier quality, and risk indicators. Anticipate and Mitigate Supply Risks: Develop contingency sourcing plans and maintain strong supplier relationships.