Category Manager IT – Software & Cloud

About the role

Shape the future of technology procurement at Philips. Take ownership of a high‑impact global category, influence senior leaders, and turn bold strategies into meaningful business results while working with some of the world’s most recognized technology partners.

Key responsibilities

• Create strategic impact by initiating, organizing, and implementing breakthrough category strategies, programs, and policies to drive transformative change and deliver measurable business results.
• Evaluate and define procurement goals and objectives for the assigned market or region, considering market dynamics, business requirements, and stakeholder needs.
• Identify and assess potential suppliers, reviewing capabilities, quality standards and cost‑effectiveness to ensure alignment with Philips’ requirements.
• Oversee negotiation of contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms, pricing, delivery schedules and quality standards.
• Manage execution of category funnel measures (QxP) in collaboration with supplier account managers, project managers and relevant stakeholders.
• Execute supply‑base optimisation actions to enhance supplier‑enabled innovation and align the supply base with stakeholder expectations.
• Plan and implement negotiation road‑maps, manage supplier relationships, performance and contracting through regular business review meetings.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to programme‑manage supply‑base change projects through funnel and Source2Contract RfX event management.
• Ensure compliant supplier selection, contracting and risk management to mitigate risks and guarantee continuity of supply.
• Drive Design for Excellence (DFX) continuously, optimizing internal processes and functional strategies to improve category performance.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management or equivalent, or comparable education and experience.
• 10 + years of experience in IT procurement within large, complex, international organisations, including leadership of managers and multi‑layered teams.
• Proven ability to create and deliver category strategy for a large global spend area.
• Deep expertise in software and cloud procurement; generic procurement experience alone is insufficient.
• Strong track record in complex negotiations, generating savings and managing long‑term strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience influencing senior Enterprise IT and CIO‑level stakeholders in high‑visibility environments.
• Capability to lead a virtual team of 10 + persons without formal line‑management authority.
• Positive attitude, resilience in a fast‑changing, pressured environment.
• Flexibility to work across APAC, Europe and North American time zones when required.
• Demonstrated career stability and motivation to stay and develop in the role.

What we offer

• Health and well‑being programmes supporting mental and physical health.
• Career growth resources including a personal development budget, training and coaching.
• Annual leave of 25 days plus the option to purchase up to 20 extra days.
• Individual performance‑based bonus linked to personal and company results.
• Company pension scheme, collective health‑insurance package and discounted Philips shares and products.