Strategic Category Manager – IT Services & Software (m/f/d)

As a leading company in the field of software solutions for healthcare, we operate in 19 countries and employ over 9,000 dedicated staff members. You will work in a dynamic and innovative environment full of opportunities. With your commitment and passion, you have the chance to make a lasting difference. Together, we are shaping the healthcare system of the future. Become part of our mission and make a difference – for a world where knowledge saves lives!

We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Strategic Category Manager to lead global procurement initiatives across IT Professional Services, Software, Cloud & Datacenter Infrastructure and related IT Services. In this high-impact role, you will play a pivotal part in driving innovation, AI adoption, and digital transformation through effective sourcing, strategic partnership development, and strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. You will align procurement strategies with cutting-edge technologies and future-facing business goals, contributing directly to our mission of advancing digital healthcare.

Your Contribution:

• Global Procurement Leadership: Take charge of all direct and indirect procurement activities for IT-professional services, software, cloud, and datacenter Infrastructure. You will implement innovative procurement practices that enhance operational efficiency and drive strategic business growth at both global and regional levels.
• Sourcing Strategy Development: Design and execute end-to-end sourcing strategies for IT solutions, integrating business and technical requirements into forward-thinking procurement actions. Your focus will be on enabling scalability, digital innovation, and consistent value creation that goes beyond purely financial results.
• Strategic Procurement: Lead negotiations and manage major contracts and framework agreements with top-tier IT, software, consulting, cloud, datacenter vendors, and software resellers. You will drive bundling, optimization, and global alignment initiatives to ensure optimal value and to support company-wide transformation goals.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with IT, Product Management, Finance, and other business units to ensure procurement strategies align with complex technical and organizational needs. You will proactively facilitate communication, foster collaboration, and support digital transformation through powerful stakeholder engagement.
• Supplier and Contract Management: Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with leading IT service providers, software vendors, and software resellers. Oversee the entire source-to-contract process, leveraging your expertise in negotiations to secure strong agreements and build long-lasting, value-driven relationships with both internal and external partners.

What You Bring Along:

• Professional Experience: A minimum of 7 years of procurement experience in the IT, Software, Technology, and/or Cloud sectors with substantial international and cross-functional exposure in a global matrix organization. You possess in-depth knowledge of IT contracts, license agreements, and essential legal clauses,  including those relating to IT Professional Services, Software Development, Cloud, and Data Center Infrastructure, as well as SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, cloud platforms, software licensing models, and service-level agreements (SLAs), gained through collaboration with top-tier vendors.
• Negotiation Skills: A proven track record of negotiating large-scale, strategic contracts with leading global enterprise software publishers, major cloud service providers, prominent software resellers, IT outsourcing firms, consulting partners, and datacenter companies. Demonstrated success in managing complex projects and strategic procurement initiatives involving widely adopted business productivity platforms, cloud infrastructure providers, value-added software channel partners, and internationally recognized IT consulting and service organizations.
• Collaborative Spirit: An assertive, solution-oriented personality with the capability to independently and proactively engage with internal leaders and stakeholders on a daily basis. Strong interpersonal skills enabling you to optimize global procurement strategies and facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Education and Language Skills: A completed degree in Business Administration, IT Management, Procurement, or a related field. Full professional proficiency in English and German is required; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Technical and Personal Qualities: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with advanced proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with procurement management systems. Highly proactive, organized