The Impact You'll Make
As our Director, Category Management, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and managing the global spend for the DPS Controls Division.
In this position, you will lead a high‑performing global team of seven professionals responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple categories and product groups within the Controls business. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Strategic Procurement for the Controls Division, overseeing a spend portfolio of approximately 450 - 500 million EUR.
We are seeking candidates with a strong background in commodity management, exceptional business acumen, and proven negotiation capabilities. This is an opportunity to influence a global organization, drive meaningful impact, and lead a team toward continued excellence.
This position is open in our DPS Controls location - preferably Nordborg, Denmark. For US candidates, Easley (SC) or Minneapolis (MN) could be considered.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead a team of experienced Category Managers and guide their strategic direction.
- Set and drive sub‑category, product and supplier strategies to support business objectives.
- Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships that strengthen long‑term performance.
- Lead high‑value negotiations to secure cost improvements and optimized payment terms.
- Resolve escalated supplier issues, including performance, capacity, and risk challenges.
- Oversee contract and certification compliance and support the resolution of disputes.
- Translate market insights and stakeholder needs into clear priorities, including sustainability goals.
Travelling is expected for this role, up to 15-20%.
What We're Looking For
- Degree in Business/Engineering and 10+ years in Procurement/Sourcing, including 5+ years of leadership.
- Experience with foundry/machining/other mechanical industry and sourcing custom‑engineered products; strong negotiation leadership.
- Proven success collaborating in global, cross‑functional environments and managing senior supplier relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to present complex topics clearly.
- Strategic, business‑savvy problem solver with a continuous‑improvement and execution‑focused mindset.
What You'll Get from Us
- We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
- You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
- We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
- You’ll receive benefits like annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.