Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us. As a Group we are a global manufacturer of construction materials and our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.
Knauf Insulation is proud to be part of the Knauf Group. We have a 40-year heritage in manufacturing insulation and have big plans for the future. Our global reach in 40 countries continues to grow and we are looking for passionate, ambitious people to join our 6000-strong team and help us achieve our goals. We are all led by the same core values and believe in the powerful potential of large companies to have a positive impact on the world.
The changed organization of the Central Procurement Department means we are now looking to recruit new Central Category Manager MRO in Visé, Belgium (or Skofja Loka, Slovenia) and reporting to the Group Procurement Director.
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Can you say ‘yes’?...
* Can you craft and implement game-changing strategies for MRO parts to boost procurement success?
* Can you be the master connector, enhancing our competitive edge by building strong stakeholder alliances?
* Can you ace supplier selection and negotiations, securing the best deals?
* Can you be our market detective, spotting trends and strategic opportunities that drive cost savings and standardization?
As Central Category Manager, you'd be leading purchasing activities for centrally managed Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) materials and services, focusing on defining and implementing effective sourcing strategies. Your aim will be to secure a reliable supply while maximizing value under total cost of ownership (TCO) principles. Additionally, ensure adherence to best practices and procurement guidelines to drive excellence in our procurement processes.
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What you’ll be doing:
* Strategic category management: develop and execute the category strategy for Mobile Equipment and MRO parts and related services, collaborating closely with the Procurement Director and internal teams to align with organizational goals.
* Stakeholder engagement: foster effective stakeholder management to enhance the value contribution of Central Procurement as a competitive global business partner.
* Procurement execution: oversee the full RFQ process, including supplier selection and negotiations, to optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) and secure favorable terms.
* Market and spend analysis: conduct comprehensive global market analyses to identify procurement networks, supplier capabilities, and strategic projects, supporting standardization and cost-saving initiatives.
* Supplier and material framework: establish commercial frameworks for materials and suppliers, ensuring alignment with procurement initiatives and achieving buy-in from internal stakeholders.
* Optimization and support: lead efforts to centralize procurement in a decentralized organization, and support plants in implementing effective spare parts stock management and procurement tools like the P4K Shop.
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What we’d love for you to have:
We are interested in you as a person: your attitude, behaviours and values. As long as you have the willingness to learn anything you need for the role that you don't already have, we'd love to speak to you.
If you have experience in the following areas – this is an added advantage:
* Master's degree in engineering, economics, finance, procurement or comparable professional education
* Full proficiency in English is required, knowledge of French or German is a plus
* At least 5 years' experience in technical/MRO procurement in an international environment
* Procurement & technical understanding to discuss with the stakeholders
* Deep knowledge in sourcing and procurement methodologies and concepts, business partnering and category management for indirect materials
* Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of the relevant markets and suppliers
* High competence in strategy
* Willing to travel occasionally (~20%)
* Computer skills: MS Office and SAP
Your personality counts a lot for us:
* Winning and convincing attitude: demonstrate a proactive and persuasive approach, inspiring confidence and facilitating successful outcomes in negotiations.
* Analytic thinking: excel in evaluating complex data and market trends to inform decision-making and drive strategic procurement initiatives.
* Strong communication skills: effectively engage with technical teams, such as engineers, to address challenges and align procurement goals.
* Interpersonal and intercultural collaboration: navigate diverse teams and cultural settings with ease, fostering collaboration and understanding across global operations.
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We will provide:
As this is a central, international position, the package and associated benefits will be those of the contract's host country. Our common criterion was to build a comprehensive salary package that stands out in the market.
On top of that, a dedicated time for personal development and potential for leadership training will be provided.
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What happens next?
We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within five working days.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) reinforces our Knauf Insulation values of Making Tomorrow a Home for all of us. We are committed to creating a workplace where we all can thrive, whoever we are, and inspiring a culture of inclusion and innovation that will drive future business success. We do our best to make sure being at work feels like home. To learn more about our business and culture go here (People & Culture - Knauf Insulation Western Europe )
If there are any other ways that you need to receive this job information, please contact us on marie.dewaele@knaufinsulation.com.