Category Manager

Category Manager for GS PROC Category Management (based in Pune or Chennai, India)

Are you the enthusiastic, self-driven and result-oriented professional who wants to move our customers' performance forward?

We are looking for "GS PROC Category Management" to be based in Pune, India. This position reports to "Manager, Category Management, GS PROC Category Management". In this position you will have the opportunity to (1) lead the assigned category within Global Supply, (2) develop and maintain category strategies with the company's overall business objectives in close collaboration with the Business Areas, (3) build and lead cross-functional category teams and (4) collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure cost-effective supply base of products and services though optimal supplier performance.

In this position, you will be required to,

Strategic Category Management​

• Develops and executes category strategies together with BA stakeholders in alignment with growth targets keeping enhanced focus on Cost Competitive Countries Sourcing (CCC)​
• Leads a matrix category team with a balanced mix of commercial, technical, and regional expertise.​
• Conducts supplier, industry, and market research to inform sourcing strategies and decisions.​
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to identify category needs and opportunities.

Supplier Development & Management​

• Ensures supplier base capable to develop quality, delivery, cost (QDC) as well as capacity and demand challenges for category ​
• Manages Partner and Key suppliers, acting as the main commercial contact.​
• Promotes design-to-cost initiatives and supplier-led innovation.​
• Shares supplier and cost information transparently across functions.​
• Builds strong stakeholder support for category initiatives and sourcing strategies

Category Management Excellence​

• Conducts competitive tenders and negotiations to achieve cost savings and favorable contractual terms with the leverage of group purchasing volumes, and focus on world-wide supplier base and Cost Competitive Countries Sourcing (CCC)​
• Active collaboration with sourcing teams for category strategy execution and ensure contract compliance.​
• Ensures quality of Category Management master data in all relevant systems and environments to support accurate reporting and development of category KPIs.

Risk Management & Compliance​

• Identifies and mitigate supply chain risks proactively.
• Ensures compliance with sourcing policies, approval processes, and ISO standards
• Maintains accurate supplier and item data and improve category KPIs.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement​

• Drives continuous improvement in sourcing processes and tools​

To succeed in this role, you will need:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Economics or related field. ​ Min. 7 years of experience in Procurement or in relevant fields of engineering / product management Strong analytical skills, strategic acumen and cost rationalization mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions to drive cost-efficient procurement activities.​ Strong interpersonal skills including knowledge in managing matrix teams and stakeholders with geographically and culturally diverse setup. Effective communication and collaboration skills Results-oriented strategic mindset and high accountability​ Experience/Expertise in Castings & Forging and/or similar production methods is a strong asset. English language, written and spoken, is mandatory Willingness for travelling

We offer:

A rewarding position in a global industry leader in pulp, paper and energy industries with the possibilities to grow professionally. If this sounds like something you are looking for and you are ready to go forward on your career, send your application with your CV via the link provided latest by 30th Sep 2025.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. Valmet's net sales in 2023 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion. Valmet's shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.

At Valmet, we enhance circularity and environmental efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions through the entire value chain. Valmet aims to enable fully carbon neutral production for its customers by 2030.

Join the team