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

**Interested?** **Then submit your application via our online application system SuccessFactors! Please click the “Apply” button.**