German Speaking Strategic Category Manager

Company Description

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.

ContiTrade is the strategic retail arm of the Continental Tire business in Europe. It's business purpose is to facilitate access to the respective markets and leverage trade opportunities in Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA). The scope of the ContiTrade business ranges from selling tires to complete fleet management via tires, tire services and vehicle services, through approximately 500 equity stores and 2,000 franchise and network partners. The business scope includes sales to end consumers, business and fleet customers, wholesale and as a service partner to Continental, as well as other major tire brands. This is done physically in branches and on the road, as well as through e-commerce platforms.

Job Description

We are looking for you as a Category Manager (m/f/diverse) for Non Trading Goods. As a member of the NTG Purchasing Team, you will support shaping and implementing the European procurement strategy for non-trading goods and services within the ContiTrade EMEA organization. Acting as a key interface between regional/local purchasing teams and strategic suppliers, you will drive value creation and ensure alignment across markets.

Your assigned job responsibilities will be:

• Supplier Management: Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships, focusing on cross-market sourcing, negotiations, and contract management.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Establish a structured stakeholder management approach to ensure regional requirements are reflected in procurement activities based on intensive communication
• Cost Optimization: Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives and continuously improve procurement processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with regional/local buyers and the Tires PU organization to ensure aligned procurement activities.
• Process Ownership: Lead and optimize the end-to-end purchase-to-pay process, ensuring compliance, data integrity, and system integration.
• Support of Strategy Development & Execution: Support to shape and implement the European procurement strategy for NTG, including target concepts and operational measures.
• Tendering: Preparing and conducting tenders, offer comparisons, and contract negotiations for complex procurement projects in the defined areas. Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and relevant regulations during the whole purchasing process.
• Support and management of special projects

Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration or related field.
• Min. 3+ years of professional experience within Purchasing / Category management in a multinational setting, preferably in non-trading goods / non-production materials. Experience in Trade business is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge in MS Office programs (esp. Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to work analytically and independently as well as to think strategically and problem-solving oriented.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with strength in team orientation.
• Fluent English & German language skills (written + spoken) - min. B2.
• Willingness to travel

Additional Information

What we offer:

• 13th salary;
• Performance bonus;
• Christmas & Easter bonus;
• Seniority bonus;
• Flexible working time;
• Competitive salaries & benefits;
• Health & wellness (Life Assurance, Private Health and Dental Insurance, Sport activities, Canteen, 24/7 Helpline with Psychologists etc.);
• Different discounts (tires, glasses, medical, shopping, etc.);
• Relocation bonus for non-Timisoara Residents;
• Professional development opportunities (in Technical and Leadership Areas);
• International Work Environment & Traveling Opportunities.

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