Global Category Manager, Software

NTT Data Business Solutions is an IT services and solutions provider, primarily engaged with the implementation and maintenance of SAP and other business information systems, IT Infrastructure services, Information Security solutions, Business Development and Project Management. We are working on projects around the world: almost all countries in Europe, the Middle East, the USA and Africa. We are a strategic partner of the biggest SAP Services providers where we are delivering Implementation and Support services. NTT Data Business Solutions is a part of NTT Data Business Solutions Germany.

We are looking for an experienced Global Category Manager, Software to join our team. The Global Strategic Category Manager, Software is responsible for the global category strategy for software within Corporate Purchasing. The objective is to deliver sustainable financial benefits through structured, strategic category management, minimize risks, and continuously further develop group-wide procurement processes and sourcing systems. The role acts as a central interface between Procurement, IT, business functions, and international group companies to consistently implement the defined category strategy and related policies and standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ownership of all worldwide strategic software procurement activities, including conducting tenders and negotiations (S2C / Source-to-Contract).
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the global category strategy for software.
• Analyze international software markets, technologies, licensing models, and supplier landscapes.
• Identify and realize value levers (cost, quality, risk, innovation, compliance).
• Define, establish, and maintain group-wide procurement processes and policies.
• Actively support the regular optimization and continuous development of Procure-to-Pay, sourcing, and contract management systems.
• Ensure compliance with governance, compliance, and ESG requirements.
• Maintain close, regular alignment with global and local stakeholders (IT, business functions, management).
• Translate business requirements into strategic procurement approaches.
• Ensure buy-in for and implementation of strategies, standards, and policies.
• Build and manage a global supplier portfolio (including strategic partners).
• Lead complex contract and price negotiations (e.g., software licenses, master agreements, enterprise agreements).
• Own end-to-end contract management, including legal aspects, risk management, and performance management.
• Contribute to group-wide international projects across procurement and IT.
• Participate in an international category team staffed by key demand owners from the group companies.
• Drive best practices, synergies, and global harmonization.

Required Qualifications:

• Several years of professional experience in a comparable role in strategic IT and/or software sourcing.
• Strong international market and industry knowledge in the software and IT environment.
• Very good understanding of relevant procurement, contract, and IT processes.
• Experience in contract law, especially for software and IT agreements.
• Confident user of common procurement and IT systems.
• Outstanding skills as a networker and team player in international organizations.
• Very strong communication, facilitation, and influencing skills.
• Strong negotiation skills with both management and suppliers.
• Results- and execution-oriented work style.
• High level of initiative; structured and analytical approach.
• Motivating personality with a positive presence.
• Strong service mindset toward internal stakeholders.
• Fluent in German and English, spoken and written.

We Offer:

• To join one of the fastest-growing and successful companies in the field of Information technology.
• To work in a friendly, motivated and achievement-oriented team of professionals.
• Challenging assignments and career development opportunities.
• Competitive remuneration package and social benefit program.
• Remote work.

If you are interested in becoming part of our team, please do not hesitate to send us your resume in English. We thank all interested applicants but will only contact the short-listed ones. Please indicate in the „Subject“ the position you are applying for. All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.