Global Category Manager - Automation & Electrical Items

About the role

GEA is looking for a Global Category Manager for Automation and Electrical Items to define and drive a forward-looking category strategy on a global scale. You will lead high-impact sourcing initiatives, manage strategic supplier relationships and deliver sustainable cost and value optimization across regions and businesses, acting as a trusted partner for divisions and business units worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Define and continuously develop the global category strategy, analyzing market trends, supply base, pricing, volumes and product developments, and providing structured market overviews to stakeholders
• Lead large and strategic RFQs, negotiate prices, terms and conditions, and conclude framework agreements in close cooperation with Legal and Compliance
• Develop strategic supplier relationships around cost, quality, availability and innovation, and consolidate and optimize the supplier base
• Manage Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), identify cost-saving opportunities through price and technical comparisons, and track savings across divisions
• Act as interface between vendors, procurement and engineering, support local organizations in savings initiatives, and run supplier workshops
• Steer category spend toward preferred suppliers

Required profile

• University degree (Bachelor or higher) in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar; project management qualification is a strong plus
• 5+ years of experience in procurement/category management, with proven contract management experience
• Strong technical and market knowledge of automation and electrical panels
• Experience in global, matrix and centralized procurement organizations, and in global negotiations and supplier management
• Fluent English; German and/or Spanish are a plus

Required skills

• Project management and change implementation
• Leadership and influence of international, cross-cultural teams
• Stakeholder management, networking and clear communication
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities in complex matrix environments

What we offer

• Compensation package aligned with experience, responsibilities and international exposure
• Private health insurance and Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible working hours and a hybrid model (up to two days per week remote)
• 23 days of vacation per year
• Internal training and career development opportunities