Senior Category Manager M - Software & Digital Applications H/F Hager Group

Why join the Sourcing department?

Innovation starts with us!

At the heart of every project, our sourcing teams develops innovative strategies for acquiring materials and services, ensuring quality partnerships and effective cost management. We are committed to providing sustainable solutions, meeting environmental standards and achieving industry-leading performance.

By joining our sourcing team, you will play a key role in selecting the best suppliers and optimizing our supply chain. You will work with a passionate team, dedicated to finding innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges of an ever-changing sector.

In the Sourcing department, we are shaping tomorrow's electrical world. You can too, Join us!

As a Senior Category Manager (m/f/d) - Software & Digital Applications you will report to the Sourcing team leader based in Obernai (France) or Blieskastel (Germany) for a permanent contract.

Hager Group is strengthening its Indirect Sourcing organization and is seeking a Senior Category Manager (m/f/d) - Software & Digital Applications to shape and steer our global digital procurement strategy.

This is not a transactional buying role. You will act as the strategic architect of our digital supply ecosystem, ensuring that our software, SaaS, cloud, and embedded solutions accelerate innovation while delivering sustainable commercial value.

From scaling IoT cloud infrastructure to optimizing enterprise-wide SaaS portfolios, your impact will be felt across the entire organization.

Your Mission & Strategic Impact

Own the Global Software Category Strategy

- Develop and execute a 3-5 year global category roadmap aligned with Hager's digital and business strategy (P2030)
- Integrate emerging technologies such as AI-powered platforms and data-driven solutions into the sourcing strategy
- Identify innovation opportunities, supplier consolidation levers, and risk mitigation strategies
- Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization and long-term value creation

Lead High-Impact Negotiations & Contractual Governance

- Manage complex commercial negotiations with global software vendors (including major tech players and specialized digital partners)
- Lead end-to-end contractual structuring: licensing models, SaaS/subscription frameworks, cloud consumption agreements, AI usage clauses, data ownership, IP rights, cybersecurity, liability, and exit strategies
- Ensure full compliance with applicable digital and data regulations (e.g., GDPR, NIS-2)
- Protect Hager's legal and financial interests while fostering long-term strategic partnerships

Orchestrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Act as the strategic interface between Procurement and IT, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial functions
- Translate technical architectures (cloud-native, APIs, embedded software, AI solutions) into robust commercial and contractual frameworks
- Influence executive stakeholders and support key digital and AI investment decisions

Build & Lead a High-Performance Vendor Ecosystem

- Design and manage a robust and future-ready supplier panel
- Conduct executive-level business reviews
- Implement structured vendor governance models covering performance, risk, innovation, and compliance

Enable Digital Agility & FinOps Excellence

- Support Cloud Architecture and Agile environments (SCRUM / Kanban) with procurement processes adapted to digital speed
- Drive solution portfolio rationalisation
- Implement cloud cost optimization and FinOps governance practices
- Anticipate contractual implications of AI adoption, cloud scalability, and evolving digital business models

Who You Are

Strategic Negotiator & Contract Expert

- 5+ years of experience in Software Purchasing
- Strong mastery of complex contractual structures (software licensing, SaaS, cloud, AI-related clauses, IP, data protection)
- Proven track record negotiating with major global software vendors

Tech & AI-Savvy Business Partner

- Solid understanding of SaaS, cloud-native architectures, IoT platforms, APIs, embedded software, and AI-enabled solutions
- Able to bridge legal, commercial, and technical dimensions
- Comfortable working in fast-evolving digital environments

Influential Leader

- Executive presence and ability to challenge and guide C-level stakeholders
- Strong communication skills within complex, matrixed, international organizations

Global Professional

Technical Qualifications

- Master degree in Business Management, IT, Engineering, or a related industrial field.
- Strong understanding of contractual law and regional data/digital regulations (GDPR, NIS-2...)
- Familiarity with Agile (SCRUM/Kanban) and traditional Waterfall project management.
- Full Proficiency in English, mastering German or French is a strong advantage
- Experience with SAP and SAP Ariba is highly preferred, or with Source-2-Pay platform

What we offer?

- Personalized onboarding experience program designed to make your first days smooth
- Opportunities to learn and grow through Hager Group's awarded Hi University.
- Internal career opportunities, over 25% of our recruitments are through internal mobility

What are the recruitment stages?

- Once your CV has been selected, you will be contacted by a recruiter for an initial phone exchange.
- You will be invited for a first interview with the hiring manager & the recruiter
- A second Interview will be then organized with the N+2 & the HR manager

Our success relies on collective energy. Apply now and power up your future with us!