Category Manager Raw Material

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 SEK, and the Group has more than 13 300 employees in 40 countries.

Organization

Sourcing at Husqvarna Division is organized in several categories which all are responsible for securing quality, delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability of supply within the category. One of the key functions within Sourcing is Category Management of direct material category and related commercial relationships with suppliers.

The Sourcing Regional Categories Europe is responsible for procuring all direct material used in products with a global set up 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 affecting 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 and you report to the Sourcing Director Categories Europe. Your primary responsibility is to develop and apply business strategy and relationship management, deliver value in terms of quality, delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability for your category during the full product life cycle.

The role requires travelling to suppliers as well as some of Husqvarna’s Key sites. You will face a broad role with heavy responsibilities, but also a good base for future growth within the company.

Your responsibilities

• Be ultimately responsible for all commercial relations with the suppliers within your Category and secure set targets of cost, quality, delivery and sustainability.

• Create long term strategies, well anchored with internal stakeholders, for your Category to deliver optimized value and drive implementation of the same.

• 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 in order to improve supplier performance and collaboration, not only to decrease costs and eliminate waste but also to utilize the 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 but also with other internal stakeholders such as R&D, Logistics and Manufacturing.

• Set up and manage the annual budget of cost saving activities and negotiations.

Your qualifications

You have a passion for, as well as extensive experience within sourcing of direct material and mechanic components. You are a self-motivated team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who thrive 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 you are constantly moving forward.

To be a suitable candidate for the role, we believe you have the following.

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 of mechanic or mechatronic components. Excellent knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, fact-based negotiation and cross-functional team collaboration. Extensive experience of 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 RFP’s as well as contracts and agreements. Strong knowledge of basic software such as Microsoft Office and database handling.

Languages

Swedish and Fluency in English is required and other is a merit.

This position is based in Huskvarna.

Your application

Can you envision yourself being a 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 jonathan.olsson@husqvarnagroup.com or

Hiring Manager: Björn Rembsgård bjorn.rembsgard@husqvarnagroup.com