Lead Category Manager Procurement (m/f/d)

Together with passion!

Want to shape strategic procurement in an international company and create measurable value through successful negotiations? Then join CTS EVENTIM as a Lead Category Manager (m/f/d)! In this role, you will take commercial ownership of selected procurement categories, develop category strategies and lead complex sourcing projects. Working closely with business units and subsidiaries, you will actively contribute to building our strategic global procurement function. Together, you will turn procurement objectives into effective agreements, transparent business cases and strong supplier relationships.

Your Part in the Show

• Strategic Category Management: Developing and implementing category strategies aligned with business unit requirements, market developments and Group objectives.
• Sourcing Projects: Taking full ownership of complex sourcing projects, from needs assessment and supplier selection through negotiations and contract award to implementation.
• Group-wide Demand Consolidation: Identifying and consolidating requirements across business units, brands and subsidiaries to unlock opportunities across the Group.
• Market and Commercial Analysis: Analyzing supplier markets, pricing models and cost drivers while evaluating alternative solutions. Preparing and taking ownership of total cost analyses, benchmarks and commercial business cases.
• Contract Negotiations: Independently negotiating complex agreements covering pricing, service levels, performance, flexibility and commercial risks.
• Strategic Supplier Management: Managing strategic supplier relationships and reviewing supplier performance, contractual obligations and opportunities for improvement.
• Value Tracking and Reporting: Identifying, validating and reporting savings and other value contributions in line with the agreed methodology.
• Stakeholder Management: Working closely with internal stakeholders, constructively challenging requirements and evaluating alternatives to support informed commercial decisions.
• Procurement Governance and Processes: Ensuring compliance with procurement policies, approval processes and the four-eyes principle while contributing to continuous improvements in processes, tools, data quality and reporting.
• Knowledge Sharing and Team Development: Sharing expertise in category management and negotiations while supporting the professional development of colleagues within the procurement team.

What You Bring to the Stag e

• Professional Experience: Several years of relevant experience in strategic procurement, category management, sourcing or commercial negotiations.
• Negotiation Expertise: Proven track record of independently leading complex negotiations and delivering measurable commercial results.
• Category Expertise: Experience in one or more relevant procurement categories, such as IT and technology, professional services, marketing, venue operations or equipment.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities and confidence in working with cost models, business cases and supplier proposals.
• Commercial Understanding: Ability to understand business requirements, constructively challenge assumptions and develop practical solutions.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence decisions across different functions and organizational levels.
• Commercial Judgment and Ownership: Sound commercial judgment, a strong sense of accountability and a structured, results-oriented approach to work.
• International Collaboration: Experience working across countries, business units or legal entities is an advantage.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English. German language skills are an advantage.
• Qualifications: A relevant university degree or an equivalent professional qualification.

Your Backstage Benefits

• Take time off: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave and the option to take up to 15 additional days of unpaid leave.
• Work flexibly: Benefit from flexible working hours and 25 days of workation in other EU countries.
• Experience live entertainment: Enjoy sofa concerts, employee events, ticket discounts and opportunities to support event operations.
• Keep learning: Develop your skills with GoFluent and Lunch & Learn sessions.
• Look after your wellbeing: Access our mental health programme and company pension scheme.
• Stay mobile: Benefit from a subsidy towards your Jobticket or Deutschlandticket and bike leasing.
• Enjoy more benefits: Access Corporate Benefits and KESS discounts.

Ready to be part of our Crew?

We value diversity and treat all applications equally – regardless of gender, background, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Different perspectives enrich our team and make EVENTIM stronger.

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