Category Buyer EMEA (IT & Telecommunication)
For our procurement department we are currently looking for Category Buyer EMEA, who will be responsible for category strategy, supplier landscape and commercial performance across Europe. You will drive savings and cost avoidance through structured sourcing, negotiation and contract management while ensuring compliance with KION policies and procurement standards. In close collaboration with internal stakeholders and global procurement teams, you enable scalable, transparent and value-adding IT & Telecommunication solutions for the KION Group.
Join KION Business Services and shape the intelligent supply chain solutions that power everyday life!
We offer:
Hybrid work & Flexible Working Hours
Private medical care inLuxMedGroup
MyBenefitCafeteria Platform (with Multisport card available)
Group Life Insurance
Employee referral program
Professional trainings in your area of responsibility
Sharing the costs of foreign language courses
4 hours off work per year for health check-ups ("DzieńnaU")
No dress code
Possibility of growth inside of an organization
Company co-sponsored learning & development opportunities
Tasks and Qualifications:
YourResponsibility:
Own the assigned IT & Telecommunication category and its supplier base in Europe
Define and implement category and sub-category strategies; review and optimize the supplier base
Deliver Indirect Procurement savings and cost avoidance targets; benchmark category spend, identify value levers and lead supplier negotiations.
Report savings, cost avoidance and pipeline using established procurement templates and tools.
Analyze purchasing data and ensure spend transparency and high data quality across procurement systems (e.g., SAP, eProcurement).
Ensure compliance with KION procedures and guidelines; collaborate closely with other category buyers, local site buyers and internal stakeholders.
Establish and maintain stakeholder governance (e.g., regular reviews, decision forums, escalation paths)
Ensure adherence to sourcing and contracting workflows, including documentation, approvals and use of preferred suppliers.
Support supplier governance activities (e.g., qualification, risk assessments and performance reviews) in line with internal standards.
Maintain audit-ready procurement documentation and ensure transparency of decisions, sourcing results and contract records.
Drive standardization for the assigned category
Manage contracts and supplier performance; ensure contract transparency and regularly review terms and validity.
Continuously improve procedures and systems related to Indirect Purchasing.
Align globally and collaborate to leverage synergies with KION APAC and Americas.
YourSkills and Expertise:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, engineering or a comparable field (technical background or purchasing-related discipline preferred).
Several years of professional experience (8-10 years) in an international / global company.
Hands-on procurement experience in IT & Telecommunication, especially mobile tariffs, network and WAN, additional experience in related IT areas (e.g., hardware, software, licenses) is an advantage.
Experience in working in cross-functional teams and in an international environment.
Proven experience leading negotiations and contract management with international and local suppliers, delivering cost savings and demonstrating strong analytical and strategic skills.
Excellent stakeholder management, presentation and communication skills; well organized, structured and able to set priorities.
High personal motivation and ability to develop practical and innovative approaches to meet objectives.
Strong analytical skills and a results-driven mindset in a team environment.
Self-motivated and independent; focused on results; committed team player with strong listening and observation skills.
Fluent in English; German is an advantage but not mandatory.
Demonstrates KION Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Courage.
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