Category Manager
About the Role
As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for driving the strategic sourcing and commercial management of third-party software and associated services within Nokia's Software & Data Server Hardware category. You will partner closely with business stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to develop sourcing strategies, optimize supplier performance, and secure competitive commercial outcomes. The role requires a strong understanding of software procurement models, contract management, supplier negotiations, and cost competitiveness. You will play a key role in delivering business value while ensuring compliance, governance, and sustainable sourcing practices across the supplier ecosystem.
Full Job Posting
Qualifications
- Must Have:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
- 10 years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, category management, contract management, and commercial negotiations.
- Experience in software sourcing, software licensing models, SaaS, cloud services, or related commercial frameworks.
- Proven stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to collaborate across global and cross-functional teams.
- Proven analytical capabilities with experience in cost modeling, pricing analysis, supplier evaluation, and negotiation planning.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining a strong focus on compliance, governance, and business outcomes.
- Familiar with supplier relationship management (SRM), procurement best practices, and category management methodologies.
- Experience working in a global matrix organization with exposure to cross-cultural stakeholder and supplier management.
- Nice to Have:
- Familiarity with procurement platforms, Microsoft Office tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled sourcing solutions.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies, sourcing roadmaps, and supplier portfolio plans aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFx processes, supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and onboarding in accordance with Nokia sourcing policies.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, licensing models, pricing structures, and contractual terms to maximize value and mitigate business risks.
- Drive cost competitiveness through market intelligence, cost analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships, monitor performance, and implement continuous improvement and corrective action plans where required.
- Optimize the utilization of preferred suppliers by balancing cost, quality, innovation, service levels, delivery capabilities, and business requirements.
- Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, ensuring sourcing decisions support customer commitments, business priorities, and operational requirements.
- Contribute to the enhancement of sourcing processes, tools, governance frameworks, and best practices to improve efficiency and procurement effectiveness.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with procurement platforms, Microsoft Office tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled sourcing solutions.
About Nokia
Nokia is a Finnish multinational technology company specializing in telecommunications infrastructure, software, and licensing. It provides network equipment and services for mobile, fixed, and cloud networks to communications service providers and enterprises worldwide.
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