For KWS Berlin GmbH, we are looking for a full-time permanent Category Manager Consulting Services (m/f/d) in Berlin who will be responsible for developing and implementing global sourcing strategies for Consulting and Professional Services. As a strategic business partner to corporate functions and business units, the role ensures value-driven procurement decisions, optimizes external consulting spend, strengthens supplier management, and supports the organization in selecting the right external capabilities and commercial models.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for Consulting and Professional Services in alignment with KWS business priorities and functional requirements.

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities, including demand assessment, market analysis, sourcing strategy development, supplier selection, negotiations, contracting, and implementation.

• Manage procurement activities across relevant consulting areas, including management and strategy consulting, business transformation, finance, HR, legal and other professional services.

• Develop and negotiate effective commercial and engagement models, including project-based fees, time & material models, retainers, and outcome-based approaches where appropriate.

• Act as a trusted advisor and sparring partner to internal stakeholders, challenging requirements where appropriate and translating business needs into effective sourcing and supplier strategies.

• Build, manage, and continuously develop strategic relationships with key consulting firms and professional service providers.

• Drive supplier consolidation, preferred supplier approaches, demand optimization, and spend transparency to maximize value and reduce unnecessary external spend.

• Ensure competitive tension and commercial transparency through structured sourcing processes, benchmarking, and negotiation.

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, legal requirements, data privacy regulations, and internal governance frameworks.

• Identify and realize cost-saving and value-creation opportunities while ensuring access to the right expertise, quality, flexibility, and business continuity.

• Lead procurement projects and change initiatives in a global matrix organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• Several years of experience in strategic procurement, ideally with a strong focus on Consulting, Professional Services, or other indirect procurement categories.

• Proven expertise in sourcing consulting and professional services, including complex tendering, commercial negotiations, supplier selection, and contract management.

• Strong understanding of different consulting engagement and pricing models, combined with the ability to evaluate commercial proposals and challenge cost structures.

• Strong experience in supplier relationship management and stakeholder management within international environments.

• Ability to understand complex business requirements and translate them into effective sourcing strategies and commercial solutions.

• Knowledge of procurement and ERP systems, ideally SAP and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solutions.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Additional languages, particularly German, are an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong strategic, commercial, and analytical mindset.

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.

• Strong business acumen and ability to challenge requirements constructively.

• Ability to operate effectively in complex global matrix organizations.

• Strong stakeholder and change management capabilities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels, including senior leadership.

• Results-oriented, proactive, and able to work independently with a high degree of ownership.

• Collaborative team player with a strong customer and service orientation.