Position Overview As a Regional Category Manager, you will develop and execute procurement and supplier strategies for assigned direct material categories, with a focus on cost optimization, innovation, and supply resilience. You will play a key role in ensuring efficient procurement operations to support production and sales, working closely with stakeholders across Switzerland and Austria. The role requires regular travel and on-site presence at our Swiss and Austrian plants. In addition, you will ensure compliance with procurement policies and drive responsible supplier management, with a strong focus on environmental, health, and sustainability standards.

What you will do Develop and execute sourcing strategies

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned direct spend categories
• Continuously analyze supplier markets, price developments, and innovation trends
• Align local strategies with regional and global category strategies

Strategic sourcing & contract management

• Lead RFx processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations
• Ensure contracts are aligned with business needs, compliance standards, and cost targets
• Drive cost optimization initiatives (TCO) across the category

Supplier management & performance

• Manage supplier relationships and drive supplier development initiatives
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure continuous improvement
• Identify and mitigate supply risks, ensuring business continuity

Cross-functional collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and other stakeholders
• Ensure early involvement of Procurement in projects and product development
• Support innovation and value engineering initiatives with suppliers

Project & stakeholder management

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement-related projects
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Ensure alignment between business requirements and procurement strategies

What we require

• University degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic procurement or category management (direct materials), ideally with exposure to DACH-based suppliers
• Strong technical understanding (ability to read drawings and understand technical products)
• Proven experience in sourcing strategies, supplier management, and contract negotiations
• Experience in RFx processes and project management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a cross-functional and international environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Results-driven and solution-oriented mindset
• Language skills: German: C1 minimum, English: C1 minimum (both mandatory)
• Willingness and ability to travel to Switzerland and Austria (up to 40% monthly)

What we offer

• Best opportunities in a globally operating company valuing diversity, inclusion, sustainability and mutual trust
• Home office allowance
• 25 days paid annual leave
• Additional health insurance
• 102.26 EUR Food vouchers
• Public transportation card
• Multisport / Coolfit card
• Opportunity for flexibility with a hybrid working model
• Employee Assistance Program (Mental Health, Legal & Financial Counselling)
• Language training opportunity
• Brand new modern office premises in a class A Business building
• Employee referral program
• Fresh fruits in the office
• Training and mentorship programs
• Access to over 15,000 LinkedIn Learning courses to assist in your development

Who we are

We are at the heart of every place that matters. From automatic doors to cloud-based access management – as a leading global provider in the access solutions market for schools, banks, airports, hospitals, hotels, and many more, we enable seamless movement within secure, safe, and sustainable places. With over 160 years of experience and a focus on excellence and innovation, we offer exciting opportunities to grow in an environment where you can make a real impact. At dormakaba, you are encouraged to take initiative, develop your skills, and build your career alongside 16,000 experts worldwide who are setting industry standards every day.

Work in a place where you matter – apply now!