Are you a strategic, experienced leader with sharp business insight and a passion for category-driven sourcing? Do you thrive in an environment characterized by development, business spirit and a huge professional pride where you drive category strategies to the next level? Then this is the role for you!

The role

In the Nordic & Baltic Region Saint-Gobain operates across seven countries with over 20 well-known brands and more than 10,000 employees. Here, we foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and empowerment, with a strong emphasis on low hierarchies that encourage open communication and decision-making at all levels. Our entrepreneurial mindset drives innovation and growth, and flexibility empowers teams to adapt quickly to market changes and meet our customers’ evolving needs.

Saint-Gobain Construction Materials in the Nordics & Baltics is on an exciting transformation journey, aiming to better harness our collective potential to make a greater impact as both a material supplier and a knowledge partner in construction.

As part of this transformation journey, Saint-Gobain has established a centralized category-driven purchasing function working with the supply-base for the Nordics and Baltics.
As Head of Category, purchasing you will drive cost saving initiatives and lead strategically important supplier negotiations with a focus on production materials. You support and coach your staff, consisting of about seven Category Managers located around the Nordic region. The role works cross-functionally to create collaborations and strengthen the purchasing position within the company. You are responsible for maximizing cost efficiency, improve sustainability focus, reducing risks while developing and implementing strategies and a clear road map.

The role includes:

• Lead and develop the team, coaching, motivating and developing your people to achieve individual and collective goals.
• Ensure implementation of category strategies: being responsible for ensuring that the team works effectively and delivers according to the set category strategies.
• Drive change and lead your team towards a more category-driven approach.
• Collaborate with other functions: The role requires good interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with other functions within the organization, such as production, R&D and finance.

The role is a part of the Nordic purchasing management team and can be based in Stockholm, Billesholm or elsewhere within the Nordics. Travel is included in the role. Head of Category reports to Purchasing Director.

Is this you?

To be successful as Head of Category, you have several years of experience working with category-driven strategic sourcing, preferably in a larger company and in an international context. You have experience in driving development and implementation and are used to dealing with several different stakeholders. In addition, we want you to have previous experience in a role with personnel responsibility. It is meritorious if you have experience working within the manufacturing industry.

Preferably you have an academic education relevant for the position, or you have gained equivalent experience through work. You express yourself fluently in English, knowledge in one of the Nordic languages is a plus.
In this recruitment, we attach great importance to personal qualities. We are looking for an independent, driven leader with strong self-leadership. You are an initiator, find solutions and see opportunities for improvement. Furthermore, you are confident in your role as a leader, experienced and happy to share your knowledge to strengthen both the team and the organization. You have good communication skills and enjoy inspiring and guiding others.

Further questions?

In this process Saint-Gobain is working with Level Executive. To apply, please click on the apply button. If you have further questions, please contact recruitment consultant Carolina Eskengren + 46 8-120 50 427 or Christian Smith +46 8-120 50 400. We will interview on an ongoing basis, please do not wait to send us your application.

Keywords: Procurement, sourcing, manager, category management, change management.