Category Manager Raw Material

Husqvarna AB · Full-time

Drottninggatan 2, Huskvarna, Sweden

Husqvarna Group is a global leading producer of outdoor power products for forest, park and garden care. Products include chainsaws, trimmers, robotic lawn mowers and ride-on lawn mowers. The Group is also the European leader in garden watering products and a global leader in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. The Group's products and solutions are sold under brands including Husqvarna, Gardena, McCulloch, Poulan Pro, Weed Eater, Flymo, Zenoah and Diamant Boart via dealers and retailers to consumers and professionals in more than 100 countries. Net sales in 2024 amounted to SEK 48.3 billion, and the Group has more than 13,300 employees in 40 countries. Organization Sourcing at Husqvarna Division is organized in several categories, each responsible for securing quality, delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability of supply within their category. One of the key functions within Sourcing is Category Management of direct material categories and related commercial relationships with suppliers. The Sourcing Regional Categories Europe is responsible for procuring all direct material used in products with a global setup of both plants and suppliers. Our task is to ensure that the greatest value is provided to the organization's internal customers and thereby positively impact the overall business result. Your Future Challenge As Category Manager Raw Material, you are part of a highly motivated team of Category Managers and Operational Buyers, reporting to the Sourcing Director Categories Europe. Your primary responsibility is to develop and apply business strategy and relationship management, delivering value in terms of quality, delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability for your category during the full product life cycle. The role requires traveling to suppliers as well as some of Husqvarna's key sites. You will face a broad role with significant responsibilities, but also a strong foundation for future growth within the company. Your Responsibilities • Be ultimately responsible for all commercial relations with suppliers within your category and secure targets for cost, quality, delivery and sustainability. • Create long-term strategies, well anchored with internal stakeholders, for your category to deliver optimized value and drive implementation. • Develop and maintain vendor agreements. • Manage sourcing projects and lead negotiations of commercial terms and conditions. • Build and maintain mutually beneficial relations with all suppliers to improve supplier performance and collaboration, not only to decrease costs and eliminate waste but also to utilize suppliers' full potential in areas such as product development and innovation. • Build and maintain strong internal relations within sourcing functions such as Project Sourcing, Supplier Quality Assurance and Supplier Development, as well as with other internal stakeholders such as R&D, Logistics and Manufacturing. • Set up and manage the annual budget for cost-saving activities and negotiations. Your Qualifications You have a passion for, as well as extensive experience within sourcing of direct material and mechanical components. You are a self-motivated team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who thrives in a dynamic and challenging environment. You have the ability to independently manage complex sourcing projects and initiatives with internal and external stakeholders. You are a true problem solver who enjoys reducing ambiguity and constantly moves forward. Education Master's degree in engineering or business administration together with recognized qualification in Sourcing or other relevant academic background. Experience Minimum 5 years of purchasing experience, preferably in category management positions. Extensive technical experience with mechanical or mechatronic components. Excellent knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, fact-based negotiation and cross-functional team collaboration. Extensive experience working in an international environment. Leadership and change management experience is a merit. Personal Skills Excellent commercial understanding. Strong planning, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage various internal stakeholders and their expectations. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to outline RFQs as well as contracts and agreements. Strong knowledge of basic software such as Microsoft Office and database handling. Languages Swedish and fluency in English are required; other languages are a merit. This position is based in Huskvarna. Your Application Can you envision yourself being part of this? If so, send us your application! Selection is ongoing. Note: We do not accept applications via email due to GDPR compliance. For questions regarding the process, please contact: Recruiter: Jonathan Olsson [email protected] or Hiring Manager: Björn Rembsgård [email protected]