Category Manager
As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for driving the strategic sourcing and commercial management of third-party software and associated services within Nokia's Software & Data Server Hardware category. You will partner closely with business stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to develop sourcing strategies, optimize supplier performance, and secure competitive commercial outcomes. The role requires a strong understanding of software procurement models, contract management, supplier negotiations, and cost competitiveness. You will play a key role in delivering business value while ensuring compliance, governance, and sustainable sourcing practices across the supplier ecosystem.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies, sourcing roadmaps, and supplier portfolio plans aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFx processes, supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and onboarding in accordance with Nokia sourcing policies.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, licensing models, pricing structures, and contractual terms to maximize value and mitigate business risks.
- Drive cost competitiveness through market intelligence, cost analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships, monitor performance, and implement continuous improvement and corrective action plans where required.
- Optimize the utilization of preferred suppliers by balancing cost, quality, innovation, service levels, delivery capabilities, and business requirements.
- Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, ensuring sourcing decisions support customer commitments, business priorities, and operational requirements.
- Contribute to the enhancement of sourcing processes, tools, governance frameworks, and best practices to improve efficiency and procurement effectiveness.
Qualifications
Must Have:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
- 10 years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, category management, contract management, and commercial negotiations.
- Experience in software sourcing, software licensing models, SaaS, cloud services, or related commercial frameworks.
- Proven stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to collaborate across global and cross-functional teams.
- Proven analytical capabilities with experience in cost modeling, pricing analysis, supplier evaluation, and negotiation planning.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining a strong focus on compliance, governance, and business outcomes.
- Familiar with supplier relationship management (SRM), procurement best practices, and category management methodologies.
- Experience working in a global matrix organization with exposure to cross-cultural stakeholder and supplier management.
Nice to Have:
- Familiarity with procurement platforms, Microsoft Office tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled sourcing solutions.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
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