Category Manager - Direct (a)

About the job

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.

Profile

• Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive procurement/category management experience in a manufacturing or engineering industry.
• Strong technical understanding as well as commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with proven contract management experience.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and procurement/category management tools.
• Fluent in English; German or French is an asset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple high-value projects concurrently.
• Direct exposure to MRO, RMU, or Completions projects in aviation or aerospace is highly valued.
• Familiarity with Lean Management.
• Additional certifications (CIPS, Lean Six Sigma, or other operational excellence certifications) are advantageous.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organization.

Job Offer

• An exciting and challenging job in a dynamic environment.
• Various opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Working with the latest technologies and tools.
• Engaging, motivated, and supportive team environment.