As Category Manager in the Europe Procurement team, you will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing and category strategies across goods and services supporting towage operations throughout the Europe region.
You will work closely with regional and global stakeholders across Procurement, Technical, Operations, and Finance to drive value creation, supplier performance, and operational efficiency.
Within the categories of your responsibility, your main tasks will be:
Develop and maintain short-, medium-, and long-term category strategies based on internal demand and market intelligence
Drive and execute the source-to-contract process and ensure the appropriate involvement of experts (e.g. Legal, Technical, Marine Standards)
Ensure continuous improvement and optimisation of categories to drive cost efficiencies and operational effectiveness
Manage contracts including implementation, monitoring, optimisation, and risk management
Manage suppliers including onboarding, performance management, and joint planning
Support internal demand analysis, planning, and forecasting
Analyse data and insights to identify industry trends and sourcing opportunities
Key Interfaces
Reporting to Europe Head of Procurement
Close collaboration with our UK-based Category Manager
Close collaboration with Global Category Managers within Svitzer Group functions
Close collaboration with global and regional stakeholders within Procurement, as well as our team of Procurement Specialists (Buyers)
Close collaboration with budget holders across ports and the Technical organisation
Close collaboration with regional and local stakeholders to align category strategies and specifications
We are looking for
A commercially driven and analytical procurement professional who thrives in a dynamic, international environment. You can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and enjoy collaborating across functions and cultures.
You bring strong stakeholder management skills, sound business judgement, and the ability to influence without direct authority.
Functional skills
Experience within strategic sourcing and category management within a complex organisation
Proven sourcing and negotiation skills
Extensive understanding of contract development, supplier management, and procurement performance reporting
Demand and forecast management capabilities
Risk and opportunity management experience
Knowledge and industry understanding
Experience within the maritime industry or a similar technical industry
Data-driven decision making
Compliance and contract management
Project management
Purchase-to-Pay processes
Personal skills
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders
Ability to influence without direct authority
Strong strategic and analytical thinking capabilities
A results-driven mindset combined with strong commercial acumen and business judgement
Experience & Qualifications
3-5 years of relevant experience
Proven track record in managing suppliers and contracts
Experience working in an international environment
Benefits
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a highly engaged and experienced Procurement team, with close collaboration across regional and global functions.The position is based full-time at our offices in Nordhavn, Copenhagen. We offer flexi
Additional Information
Category Manager Opportunity at Svitzer
We are looking for a hands-on Category Manager who wants to play an active role in shaping sourcing and contracting strategies, while executing regional, cluster-specific, and local initiatives across Europe. You will collaborate closely with stakeholders in a dynamic, international maritime environment.
This is a unique opportunity to join a global organisation where Procurement is continuing to strengthen its role as a strategic business partner-driving operational excellence, cost leadership, and long-term value creation.
As Category Manager, you will join the Svitzer Europe Procurement team, be based in Nordhavn, Copenhagen, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders across our clusters in the UK, Scandinavia, and Continental Europe.
About Svitzer
At Svitzer, our maritime heritage spans almost 200 years, making us a global leader in towage and terminal services.
Since 1833, we have played a key role in port and terminal operations, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of large seaborne vessels. Today, with a fleet of over 446 vessels, we support customers across 143 ports and 40 terminals in 37 countries worldwide. The Europe region makes out about 1/3 of our fleet and business.
At Svitzer, you will be part of an international and inclusive organisation that values ambition and professionalism within a supportive and collaborative culture. Our flat organisational structure fosters open communication and teamwork, while empowering employees to take ownership and drive execution.
Svitzer · Copenhagen Regional Office