Category Manager Professional Services

TL;DR

Category Manager Professional Services: Leading strategic procurement initiatives for professional services across Bauer's global businesses with an accent on developing category strategies, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management. Focus on driving cost optimization, value creation, and championing innovation in procurement processes.

Location: Hybrid in Hamburg, Germany. Collaboration required with hubs in Germany, Poland, and the UK.

Company

hirify.global is a family-owned media corporation with 150 years of tradition, operating extensive print and online publishing, audio broadcasting, and entertainment businesses across Europe.

What you will do

• Develop and execute category strategies for Professional Services across Bauer’s global businesses.
• Lead contract negotiations and manage supplier relationships with major consultancies and niche providers.
• Drive cost optimization and value creation while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with hubs in Germany, Poland, and the UK to ensure alignment and operational efficiency.
• Champion innovation in procurement processes, leveraging tools like Coupa and emerging AI solutions.

Requirements

• Proven experience in Professional Services procurement (Big 4/Big 5 or boutique consultancies).
• Minimum 2 years in Professional Services category management, plus 1–2 years in other categories.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Fluent in English and German to a professional standard.
• Ability to operate at Group level, managing complexity across multiple countries and business units.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with AI-driven tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) and Coupa.
• Experience in the media or creative industries.

Culture & Benefits

• Individual solutions for flexible organisation of working hours and location.
• Targeted and individual training for professional and personal development.
• Central location in Hamburg's city centre with good transport options.
• Subsidy for Deutschlandticket & bike leasing.
• Effective health management (e.g., health week, free sports programmes & Wellhub).
• 30 days of holiday & frequent events for employees.
• Company restaurant, free magazines & various discounts via corporate benefits.
• A culture in which personal responsibility, teamwork and creativity are valued.