Group Category Manager – Digital

Job description

The opportunity We're currently looking for a Group Category Manager – Digital. Someone to join our Procurement team in order to drive category strategies, optimize supplier performance, and create sustainable business value across Polestar's digital procurement landscape. Someone with a passion for business transformation, an interest in technology and digital services, and a desire to challenge the status quo to deliver measurable results. As a Group Category Manager for Digital, you'll lead a team responsible for specific categories of indirect goods and services. You will guide the team through strategic opportunity assessments, category planning, and competitive sourcing activities, while driving fact-based procurement initiatives through spend analysis, contract management, and supplier market exploration. You will play a crucial role in implementing category strategies that deliver sustainable value, enhance supplier performance, and support Polestar's long-term business objectives. This position is located in Polestar HQ, Gothenburg, Sweden. We believe in a hybrid model when it comes to remote and onsite work, knowing that both in-person collaboration and individual time to focus are needed. The responsibilities In this role, you'll be expected to lead the Digital category and drive procurement performance with clear financial and operational impact. Working as a member of the Procurement organization, you'll be instrumental in developing category strategies, influencing stakeholders, and creating sustainable business value. See below for a more thorough breakdown of the various tasks and areas you'll be responsible for: Develop and execute category roadmaps and sourcing strategies that link procurement initiatives to financial outcomes, operational excellence, and business objectives. Drive category performance through cost optimization, supplier performance management, value creation initiatives, and strategic negotiations with suppliers. Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, challenge existing ways of working, and align internal and external partners around common goals. Lead, coach, and develop a team of procurement professionals while contributing to the ongoing transformation of Procurement into a strategic value business partner. Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership, while building and maintaining strategic networks with suppliers, Geely Group, and Volvo Cars to drive synergies and business value. The ideal candidate In order to succeed in this role, and at Polestar in general, there are a few characteristics you'll need to have. Tenacity. Flexibility. Curiosity. The ability to take initiative, influence stakeholders, and navigate complex business environments. You are a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities and the courage to challenge business needs and established ways of working when necessary. You thrive in change, communicate effectively at all levels, and are driven by delivering measurable business results through collaboration and data-driven decision-making. In addition, you'll need the following qualifications: University degree, preferably a Master's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering & Management, or a related field, providing a strong foundation for strategic procurement and business decision-making. 10+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least three years of people leadership experience, enabling you to successfully lead teams and drive organizational results. Extensive experience in category management, procurement, strategic sourcing, and negotiations within a large enterprise environment. This expertise is essential for driving category performance and supplier value creation. Strong analytical capabilities, including spend analysis, opportunity assessments, pricing model evaluation, and contract management, supporting fact-based decision-making and strategic planning. Extensive experience within digital procurement categories, including digital hardware, software licensing, and digital services, combined with experience driving change and implementing strategies in complex organizations. Polestar is an international company, with various backgrounds represented. English, therefore, is the language of written and spoken communication. And though we have a global presence, we maintain the growth-mindset. Change happens often at Polestar. But so does progress. Expect an accelerating, exciting environment. The process If the above matches your ambitions, be sure to apply. Due to the summer holiday period, our recruitment process is moving at a slower pace, and we may not be able to provide updates in the meantime. We look forward to getting back to you during August.