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 beresponsible 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.