Global Category Lead (m/f/diverse) ContiTech Information Technology - REF94785X

As a Global Category Lead, you play a key strategic role in ContiTechs global purchasing organization. You drive category strategies, manage international supplier relationships, and work closely with global stakeholders — always focused on value creation, transparency, and sustainable results.

In this role, your key responsibilities include the following focus areas:

Management

• Lead and develop a global team in line with Continental’s leadership principles
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and foster a motivated, high-performing team
• Support team members in complex or challenging situations

Stakeholder Partnership

• Act as the interface between Purchasing, Engineering, Plants, and Suppliers
• Translate business and purchasing strategies into concrete actions
• Train and support stakeholders in methods, tools, and processes

Category Management

• Build and implement the global category and supplier strategy
• Analyze data to identify spend, demand, and improvement opportunities
• Define KPIs, track progress, and ensure transparent communication
• Ensure alignment and satisfaction of global stakeholders

Supplier Relationship Management

• Analyze global supplier markets and conduct benchmarks
• Maintain strategic, long-term supplier relationships
• Lead annual and strategic negotiations to optimize costs
• Ensure compliance with BPCoC, Responsible Value Chain, and support new supplier onboarding

Sourcing to Contract

• Independently conduct international negotiations with audit-proof documentation
• Drive make-or-buy decisions and value engineering initiatives
• Manage escalations, claims, and strategic complaints
• Oversee contract lifecycle management in full compliance with internal guidelines