Senior Manager, Group Category

Serbia

Global Category Manager will design and execute end-to-end category strategies across Al Dahra’s global operations to maximize total value contribution, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and support business performance. The role serves as the key interface between internal stakeholders (including local Procurement teams) and suppliers, ensuring strategic alignment and commercial excellence.

The GCM leads cross-functional category teams, builds supply market intelligence, and drives execution through strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and risk mitigation.

This position requires international business travels (est. 10%).

Accountabilities

Strategy Development

Lead development and regular refresh of category strategies using TCO, demand/supply analysis, and risk assessment.
Engage cross-functional teams to define goals, opportunities, and sourcing approaches.
Translate category strategies into actionable plans with measurable outcomes (savings, innovation, risk mitigation).
Align strategy with sustainability, diversity, and enterprise risk priorities.

Execution and Value Delivery

Manage the end-to-end sourcing cycle for assigned categories, including supplier selection, negotiation, and contracting.
Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure fit-for-purpose specifications and service levels
Monitor supplier performance, ensure continuous improvement, and lead corrective actions where needed.
Track strategy implementation through defined milestone and KPIs result.

Stakeholder Engagement

Map and engage key internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and ownership of category initiatives.
Promote category management value through consistent communication and stakeholder education.
Coordinate with global and local teams to balance local flexibility with global standardization.

Team & Capability Development

Lead cross-functional category teams during strategy development and execution phases.
Support team performance reviews and capability development aligned with Procurement’s learning strategy.
Mentor junior buyers or analysts working within the category team.

Business Integration & Governance

Ensure integration of category strategies with budgeting, compliance, risk, and supply planning processes.
Collaborate with other Procurement and Supply Chain teams (e.g., SRM, Logistics, Contract Management) to deliver holistic outcomes.
Maintain category knowledge, market intelligence, and benchmarking practices.
Drive continuous improvement and ensure governance in line with Procurement Policy and Al Dahra standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field.
Postgraduate qualification (MBA, MSc), and/or procurement certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) would be an advantage
5+ years in procurement, sourcing, or category management, including exposure to cross-functional projects.
Proven success in stakeholder management, commercial negotiations, and delivering savings or value improvement.
Experience in agriculture, food, or manufacturing sectors is a plus.