As Global Category Lead – Information Technology (m/f/d), you will be responsible for the worldwide strategic procurement of IT solutions and services across all Conti Tech Business Areas. You will report directly and functionally to the Head of Global Cluster Infrastructure and play a key role in shaping and implementing the global IT purchasing strategy.

Your Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

• Technical and functional leadership of a global team in line with Continental’s Leadership Principles
• Definition and tracking of objectives and performance targets
• Support and development of team members to ensure motivation and success
• Guidance in complex cases to ensure team effectiveness

Stakeholder Partnership

• Act as a key interface between internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Engineering, Plants, Suppliers)
• Translate business and purchasing strategies into actionable plans
• Train and support stakeholders in using the right tools, methods, and processes

Category Management

• Manage an annual spend of category IT
• Develop and implement supplier strategies in alignment with stakeholders and corporate guidelines
• Analyze data and manage category-related KPIs to track progress
• Ensure stakeholder satisfaction through transparent communication

Supplier Relationship Management

• Conduct global supplier market analysis and benchmarking
• Maintain strategic supplier relationships and lead strategic supplier meetings
• Drive supplier evaluations and development programs
• Lead negotiations and cost optimization initiatives
• Ensure supplier compliance with Continental’s Business Partner Code of Conduct and Responsible Value Chain standards

Sourcing & Contract Management

• Independently conduct international negotiations and supplier decisions in line with internal policies

• Drive make-or-buy decisions and value engineering initiatives

• Manage strategic complaint and claim negotiations

• Oversee contract lifecycle management to ensure operational and financial success

• Ensure full compliance with Continental’s ethics, values, and corporate guidelines

• Academic degree in economics, engineering, or a comparable qualification

• Several years of professional experience in purchasing or related fields in an international environment, preferably in technical purchasing (Non-Production Material area)

• Strong proficiency in relevant procurement tools as well as MS Office 365

• Proven project management experience in global settings

• Strong negotiation skills, communication skills and intercultural competence

• Ability to operate with global perspective, driving execution

• Fluent English skills (written and spoken) are necessary; additional languages (e.g. German, Spanish) are a plus

• Willingness to travel worldwide (ca. 10-20%)

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

The well-being of our employees is important to us. That's why we offer exciting career prospects and support you in achieving a good work-life balance with additional benefits such as:

• Training opportunities
• Mobile and flexible working models
• Sabbaticals
• and much more...

Sounds interesting for you? Click here to find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging are important to us and make our company strong and successful. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.