Category Manager IT & Marketing (m / f / d)

For KWS Berlin GmbH we are looking for a full-time permanent Category Manager IT & Marketing in Berlin who will be responsible for developing and implementing global sourcing strategies for IT products, services, and digital solutions, as well for Marketing projects. As a strategic business partner to IT, Digital, and other corporate functions, the role ensures value-driven procurement decisions that support KWS’ digital transformation, optimize costs, manage risks, and foster innovation. In addition, the position supports selected sourcing activities within Marketing Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for IT procurement in alignment with KWS business priorities and digital transformation objectives.
• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities, including market analysis, sourcing strategy development, supplier selection, negotiations, contracting, and implementation.
• Manage procurement of software, hardware, cloud solutions, telecommunications, IT services, and other digital technologies.
• Negotiate complex software licensing, SaaS, cloud, managed services, and commercial agreements to achieve optimal business outcomes.
• Build, manage, and continuously develop strategic relationships with key technology suppliers and service providers.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, translating business requirements into effective procurement and supplier strategies.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, legal requirements, information security standards, data privacy regulations, and internal governance frameworks.
• Identify and realize cost-saving opportunities while enabling innovation, supplier performance improvements, and business continuity.
• Lead procurement projects and change initiatives in a global matrix organization.
• Support selected sourcing initiatives within Marketing Services where required.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Solid several years of experience in strategic procurement, ideally with a strong focus on IT Procurement.
• Proven expertise in sourcing and managing software, cloud services, hardware, telecommunications, and IT service providers.
• Strong experience in supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, and stakeholder management within international environments.
• Knowledge of procurement and ERP systems, ideally SAP and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solutions.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Additional languages, particularly German, are an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong strategic, commercial, and analytical mindset.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex global matrix organizations.
• Strong stakeholder and change management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels, including senior leadership.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and able to work independently with a high degree of ownership.
• Collaborative team player with a strong customer and service orientation.

Benefits

• We are an international team of open-minded people with diverse and cross-functional experience
• Interesting and challenging tasks and projects
• As a family business, we are guided by the values of closeness, reliability, vision and independence; this culture is lived in practice and ensures an open and friendly working atmosphere from day one
• The best of both worlds: KWS Berlin combines the security of a large, stable company with the passion of a start-up
• Our location in the heart of Berlin-Schöneberg is very modern; directly opposite the underground station Bülowstraße and with secured car & bicycle parking spaces
• We offer 30d holidays, flexible working hours, holiday and Christmas bonuses, company pension scheme, JobRad and/or Jobticket
• True to our motto "Make yourself grow", we support the professional and personal development of our employees
  

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