Category Manager - Direct (a)

Basel-City Permanent View Job Description
Our client from the advanced engineering industry located in Basel is looking for a Category Manager (a) with strong technical understanding (focus direct categories). The role focuses on supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure cost efficiency, supply continuity, and operational excellence while supporting high-value technical programs.

Added 24/07/2026

  • Technical categories
  • Advanced engineering industry

About Our Client

Our client from the advanced engineering industry located in Basel is looking for a Category Manager (a) with strong technical understanding (focus direct categories). The role focuses on supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure cost efficiency, supply continuity, and operational excellence while supporting high-value technical programs. 100% onsite presence desired.

Job Description

The Category Manager (a) will drive strategic sourcing and category management across a complex, project-based engineering environment.

  • Own and Lead Category Strategy: Define and execute category strategies for assigned spend areas, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and program needs. Build category structure and governance.
  • Act as Primary Procurement Lead: Serve as the key procurement and category lead within MRO, RMU, and Completions project teams, leveraging deep technical and commercial knowledge.
  • Manage Supplier Life cycle: Oversee supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and performance for critical goods and services. Prepare business cases including total cost of ownership and ROI analysis.
  • Steer Category Performance: Drive category performance to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives in line with business needs.
  • Conduct Market and Supplier Analysis: Perform market analysis, supplier capability assessments, and cost bench-marking to inform data-driven sourcing decisions.
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Production: Influence specifications toward cost-effective and supply-secure solutions.
  • Drive Supplier Performance Improvements: Implement supplier performance improvement plans, addressing quality, delivery, and cost targets.
  • Monitor and Report Category KPIs: Develop, monitor, and report on KPIs such as cost savings, on-time delivery, supplier quality, and risk indicators.
  • Anticipate and Mitigate Supply Risks: Develop contingency sourcing plans and maintain strong supplier relationships.



The Successful Applicant

  • Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of progressive procurement/category management experience in a manufacturing or engineering industry.
  • Strong technical understanding as well as commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with proven contract management experience.
  • Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and procurement/category management tools.
  • Fluent in English; German or French is an asset.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple high-value projects concurrently.
  • Direct exposure to MRO, RMU, or Completions projects in aviation or aerospace is highly valued.
  • Familiarity with Lean Management.
  • Additional certifications (CIPS, Lean Six Sigma, or other operational excellence certifications) are advantageous.
  • Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organization.



What's on Offer

  • An exciting and challenging job in a dynamic environment.
  • Various opportunities for professional and personal development.
  • Working with the latest technologies and tools.
  • Engaging, motivated, and supportive team environment.
Quote job ref
JN-072026-7070054

Job summary

Job Function
Logistics, Procurement & Supply Chain
Specialisation
Direct Procurement
Industry
Industrial / Manufacturing
Where
Basel-City
Contract Type
Permanent
Job Reference
JN-072026-7070054

Michael Page is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity, both as an employer as well as a recruitment service provider. Each recruitment decision we make for people we hire and people we place into new roles is based solely on the candidates’ knowledge, experience and skills.