Category Manager - Direct (a)

The position of Category Manager – Direct (a) is based with a Basel‑located firm that operates in the advanced engineering sector, supplying high‑value technical programmes. The role centres on shaping supplier strategy, handling commercial talks and working across functions to secure cost‑effective, reliable supply for complex projects. Day‑to‑day duties involve crafting and applying category plans that match corporate goals, acting as the chief procurement contact for MRO, RMU and Completions teams, and steering the full supplier lifecycle from selection through contract and performance monitoring. The incumbent will analyse markets and vendor capabilities, produce business cases that include total cost of ownership, and track key performance indicators such as savings, on‑time delivery and quality. Additional tasks include influencing engineering specifications, launching improvement initiatives with suppliers and preparing contingency sourcing options. Candidates need a university degree in supply‑chain, procurement, engineering or a related discipline and at least five years of progressive experience in procurement or category management within manufacturing or engineering. A solid technical grasp, strong negotiation talent and proven contract handling are essential, as is fluency in English; German or French are beneficial. Proficiency with ERP tools like SAP, familiarity with Lean principles and certifications such as CIPS or Lean Six Sigma add value. The job requires full onsite presence in Basel and offers a dynamic setting with modern tools, growth prospects and a