As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for driving the strategic sourcing and commercial management of third-party software and associated services within Nokia's Software & Data Server Hardware category. You will partner closely with business stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to develop sourcing strategies, optimize supplier performance, and secure competitive commercial outcomes. The role requires a strong understanding of software procurement models, contract management, supplier negotiations, and cost competitiveness. You will play a key role in delivering business value while ensuring compliance, governance, and sustainable sourcing practices across the supplier ecosystem.
Responsibilities
• Develop and execute category strategies, sourcing roadmaps, and supplier portfolio plans aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFx processes, supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and onboarding in accordance with Nokia sourcing policies.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, licensing models,
pricing structures, and contractual terms to maximize value and mitigate business risks.
• Drive cost competitiveness through market intelligence, cost analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, monitor performance, and implement continuous improvement and corrective action plans where required.
• Optimize the utilization of preferred suppliers by balancing cost, quality, innovation, service levels, delivery capabilities, and business requirements.
• Build robust partnerships with internal stakeholders, ensuring sourcing decisions support customer commitments, business priorities, and operational requirements.
• Contribute to the enhancement of sourcing processes, tools, governance frameworks, and best practices to improve efficiency and procurement effectiveness.
Qualifications
Must Have:
• Bachelor's degree in Bus
📌 Category Manager (India)
🏢 NOKIA
📍 India