Global Category Manager

Valmet

Global Category Manager managing sourcing strategies for Valmet's supply chain across multiple categories. Leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders for optimal supplier performance.

Posted 4/26/2026full-timeShanghai • 🇨🇳 ChinaMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

lead Valmet assigned categories within Global Supply Scope for Pulp, Energy & Circularity, Packaging and Tissue and Performance Parts.
develop and maintain category strategies with the company's overall business objectives in close collaboration with the Business Areas.
build and lead cross-functional category teams.
collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure cost-effective supply base of products and services through optimal supplier performance.
Development and execution of category strategies together with BA stakeholders in alignment with growth targets keeping enhanced focus on Cost Competitive Countries Sourcing (CCC).
Coordination of an international matrix category team with a balanced mix of commercial, technical, legal & compliance, and regional expertise.
Conducting supplier, industry, and market research to inform sourcing strategies and decisions.
Collaborating with internal stakeholders across different countries/continents to identify category needs and opportunities.
Ensuring that selected supplier base can develop quality, delivery, cost (QDC) as well as capacity and demand challenges for category.
Managing Partner and Key suppliers, acting as the main commercial contact.
Sharing supplier and cost information transparently across functions.
Building strong stakeholder support for category initiatives and sourcing strategies.
Conducting competitive tenders and negotiations to achieve cost savings and favorable contractual terms with the leverage of group purchasing volumes.
Active collaboration with international procurement and sourcing teams and business areas for category strategy execution.
Ensuring quality of Category Management master data in all relevant systems and environments to support accurate reporting and development of category KPIs.
Identification and mitigation of supply chain risks proactively.
Ensuring compliance with sourcing policies, approval processes, and ISO standards.
Driving continuous improvement in sourcing processes and tools.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, economics or related fields.
Min. 5 years’ experience in Category Management or Sourcing in the industrial sector in international organizations.
Expertise and experience in metal fabrication industry and processes.
Experience in supplier consolidation programs.
Experience in contract development, negotiation and supplier relationship management.
Strong interpersonal skills including knowledge in managing matrix teams and stakeholders with geographically and culturally diverse setup.
Excellent communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
Strong analytical skills, strategic acumen and cost rationalization mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions to drive cost-efficient procurement activities.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Valid car driving license and willingness to travel

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Category ManagementSourcingSupplier Relationship ManagementContract DevelopmentNegotiationData AnalysisCost RationalizationSupplier ConsolidationProcurementQuality, Delivery, Cost (QDC)

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunicationProblem SolvingDecision MakingStrategic AcumenAnalytical SkillsTeam ManagementStakeholder ManagementCollaborationContinuous Improvement