Global Category Manager

We are are all part of Lindström’s sustainable growth story. Get ready to work in innovative and global environment of impactful textile service business. We care in every thread – dare to grow and shine with us.   

GLOBAL CATEGORY MANAGER 

We are seeking an experienced Global Category Manager for our Procurement & Supply Chain team in a permanent position at our head office in Helsinki. Join our team and help us make a difference!  

Your key contribution areas 

As a Global Category Manager, you will be responsible for supplier relationship and contract management activities related to laundry production machinery, detergents, and global indirect category purchases. Your efforts will ensure that Lindström continues to be a forerunner in sustainable and efficient operations. 

Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and executing the category procurement strategy 

• Managing supplier relationships and contracts in collaboration with internal stakeholders  

• Gathering information about supplier markets, key cost elements and their development, price competitiveness, as well as development of related services 

• Leading supplier sourcing, evaluation, and contract negotiations 

• Conducting spend analysis and implementing cost-saving activities as needed  

• Managing supplier evaluations, audits, and risk as well as aligning Lindström targets with supplier targets and activities  

• Organising and leading category team meetings and providing training for employees working within the category 

What helps you to shine in this role? 

We are looking for a procurement expert with a proactive and result-oriented approach to work. Your strong business acumen, coupled with your ability to manage targets and projects effectively in a matrix environment, along with the capacity to inspire others to achieve common goals, will be a key to success. You have a natural tendency to build networks and are fun to work with! 

To thrive in this role, you should have:  

• At least five years of experience in procurement-related business spheres 

• A university degree in technical and/or commercial field 

• Business knowledge and understanding of production technology/machinery, detergents, and indirect purchases  

• A deep understanding of supplier relationship and contract management, supplier market dynamics and development 

• Outstanding interpersonal and negotiation skills 

• Efficient project and time management skills 

• Excellent written and spoken English language skills, with proficiency in Finnish seen as a benefit  

Your key people 

You will be part of our global Procurement and Supply Chain function, specifically the Category Management team of five professionals. Our team is dedicated to optimising Lindström’s source-to-purchase processes by strategically managing key categories to ensure availability, efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability. We are a collaborative team of committed sourcing and procurement experts with a complete finisher attitude. In this role, you will work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure we have the best supplier portfolio to support our strategy. 

What we offer 

• A challenging position with a chance to bring forward your expertise in a growing multinational business environment 

• Opportunities for professional growth and development  

• Benefits such as occupational healthcare services and sports, culture, and well-being perks  

• A flexible hybrid-work model  

• A purpose-driven and supportive work environment committed to fostering our We Care culture  

You can discover more about what it’s like to work at Lindström from here.   

Are you ready to grow and shine with us? 

To apply, please fill in our online application no later than 2 April 2025. The starting date of this position is negotiable, but we wish to have a new team member as soon as possible. 

For additional information, you can contact:  

Kalle Hietaranta (Director, Category Management), at +358 50 487 1366, on Wednesday 26 March from 15:00-16:00 EET and Thursday 27 March from 13:00-14:00 EET.  

We look forward to hearing from you!   

At Lindström, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our values. We welcome and encourage individuals from all backgrounds and minority groups to apply. We believe that our strength lies in our diversity, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, gets the sense of belonging, and can be their true selves. Lindström is an equal opportunity employer, and we are proud to be a workplace free from discrimination.  

Founded in 1848 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Lindström now operates in 23 countries across Europe and Asia, with a 2023 turnover of EUR 506 million. As a forerunner in sustainable textile services, we are dedicated to innovation and environmental responsibility. We provide comprehensive solutions for industries including workwear, cleanroom textiles, mats, and more. 

For further information, please visit http://www.lindstromgroup.com. 

Tagged as: Sales & purchasing