Category Manager

Job Description

The Category Manager defines and executes global category and sourcing strategies that support business priorities while ensuring cost efficiency, supply assurance, quality, innovation, and risk mitigation. The role manages strategic supplier partnerships, drives procurement best practices, and works closely with cross-functional stakeholders to enhance supplier performance, maximize value creation, and contribute to Nokia's overall competitiveness and growth.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

• Define and execute global category strategies that support business requirements, cost optimization, innovation, quality, and supply continuity.
• Lead supplier selection, onboarding, performance management, and relationship development across assigned categories.
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives, RFx processes, contract negotiations, and supplier lifecycle management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align procurement activities with business priorities and market dynamics.
• Monitor supplier performance, risks, market intelligence, and technology roadmaps to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes, SOX requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities, manage savings reporting, and contribute to business competitiveness.
• Act as the primary escalation point for supplier-related issues while leading virtual teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Key Skills And Experience

Must Have:

• Bachelors of Masters degree with relevant field with 10 plus years of experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, or Supply Chain Management within a global organization.
• Expertise in supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, RFx processes, and procurement lifecycle management.
• Proven experience in Transport & Logistics category management, with expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, cost optimization, and risk management across global supply chains.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to work across global and multicultural teams.
• Familiar with Source-to-Pay (S2P), supplier quality management, compliance frameworks, and SOX requirements.
• Expertise in supply market intelligence, supplier development programs, and category optimization methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead virtual teams, manage complex projects, and drive transformation initiatives in a global matrix organization.
  
  

Nice to Have:

• Familiar in the Telecommunications, Technology, IT Services, or Network Infrastructure industry.
  
  

About Us

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

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Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia .