About the position

The sourcing organization at Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division is divided into several functions and categories, in order to secure quality, delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability throughout the supply chain. The Sourcing team is dedicated to deliver on our full range of business targets and to provide a profound base for our teams driving these objectives together with over 1000 suppliers and are guided by the principles of Strategic, Collaborative, and Professional. One of the key functions within Sourcing is category management of direct material categories and related commercial relationships with suppliers

The Powertrain Categories is responsible for procuring direct material used in Husqvarna’s 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.

As Category Manager you are part of a highly motivated team of Category Managers and Operational Buyers and you report to the Sourcing Director Powertrain Categories. Your primary responsibility is to develop and apply business strategy and relationship management, deliver value in terms of quality, delivery, cost efficiency, innovation and sustainability for your categories during the full product life cycle. The role requires travelling abroad 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 main tasks:

• Be ultimately responsible for all commercial relations with the suppliers within your categories and secure set targets of cost, quality, delivery and sustainability.
• Create long term strategies, well anchored with internal stakeholders, for your categories 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 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.

This position includes Traveling Globally approximately 30 days / year.

What we can offer

At Husqvarna Group we strive to have a work environment that is inclusive and diverse, where we believe that our differences are our strengths. Our winning culture is important to us, which is why we go by the beliefs: We’re Bold, We’re Dedicated and We Care. This role is located in Huskvarna, offering a hybrid working model with a requirement for weekly office presence. Occasional travel within service is expected, approximately 10-20 days per year

Who are you?

To succeed in this role we expect you have:

• Bachelor of Science/Advantage: MBA or Master of Science in Engineering or relevant experience
• Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience, preferably in commodity management positions. Extensive technical experience and working in a Manufacturing industry is required for this position. Excellent knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, fact-based negotiation and cross-functional team collaboration. Experience of working in an international environment. Leadership and change management experience is of advantage.
• Fluent in English orally and in writing

You also demonstrate a strong understanding of both internal and external customer service, complemented by exceptional communication abilities that encompass strategic thinking, diplomatic finesse, social competence, and negotiation skills.

Further it is of importance that you have strong influencing skills to promote Category Strategies to Business Partners, Experience and insights in the Purchasing environment and strong planning, analytical and organizing abilities.

Personality in combination with relevant education, work experience and passion for working in sourcing will be important in order to succeed in this role.

Location: Huskvarna

Your application

Can you envision yourself being a part of this? If so, send us your application including resumé and personal letter already today. We do not accept applications via e-mail due to GDPR regulations. For questions regarding the position please contact hiring manager Johan Grauf at [email protected]. For information about the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition Partner Sebastian Glaas [email protected]

What happens after you applied?

In this process we a apply an ongoing selection, so please apply already today. If we believe you are a potential candidate for the role you will be invited for an initial interview. If you aren’t chosen to proceed in the process, you will be informed of this at the latest when the position has been filled.

Husqvarna Group is a world-leading producer of outdoor power products for garden, park and forest 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 world leader in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. The Group’s products and solutions are sold under the main brands Husqvarna & Gardena that serves professionals in more than 140 countries.