Category Manager –Software, AI & Digital Platforms (m/f/d)

About the role As Strategic Buyer Software, AI & Digital Technologies, you will play a key role in shaping the technology ecosystem behind Quantum Systems’ next-generation autonomous systems. You will build and manage strategic partnerships across software, AI, cloud and digital technologies, while influencing make-or-buy decisions and sourcing strategies that support our rapid growth. Working closely with Engineering, Product, and IT, you will ensure access to the right technologies, partners, and commercial models required to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative solutions. The primary focus of this role is the procurement and commercial management of software, AI, and digital technologies embedded in or enabling Quantum Systems' products and customer solutions, rather than internal enterprise IT infrastructure. This role combines strategic procurement with emerging technologies, offering a high degree of ownership, short decision paths, and direct impact on product development within one of Europe’s fastest-growing deep-tech companies. What is your Day to Day Mission: Own the sourcing strategy for software, AI, and digital technologies that directly support Quantum Systems' products, platforms, and customer-facing capabilities across the entire product lifecycle. Develop and execute category strategies for software and digital technologies aligned with Quantum Systems’ business objectives, technology roadmap, and growth ambitions. Shape and manage a strategic technology partner ecosystem that accelerates innovation, supports scale-up, and strengthens Quantum Systems’ technology capabilities. Build and evolve a strategic ecosystem for software and digital technologies through driving make-or-buy decisions, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and strategic partnerships that enable innovation, scalability, and business growth. Continuously strengthen the technology ecosystem by identifying innovative partners and solutions while ensuring scalability, resilience, and cost efficiency across the supply base. Contribute as part of a cross-functional team, partnering with Engineering, Product, IT, Cybersecurity, and Legal to provide efficient and cost optimized (license) procurement and advanced value capturing. Manage supplier performance, commercial escalations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to maintain a high-performing, reliable, and constant competitive technology supply base. Ensure procurement activities are conducted in line with company policies, governance standards, and compliance requirements. How Success is Measured: Achievement of cost efficiency, budget targets and constant (cost and performance) improvement Supplier performance and reliability (time to market, quality, delivery, scalability) Successful implementation of aligned make-or-buy decisions Strength and scalability of the software, AI, cloud, and digital technology ecosystem Reduction of supplier and technology risks (e.g. dependencies, lock-in) an