Category Manager
Nokia · Posted Oct 20
Mobile and fixed network infrastructure, IP routing, cloud, and telecommunications technology services
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About the role
Nokia's Software & Data Server Hardware category is responsible for third-party software and associated services sourcing. The role covers strategic sourcing, commercial management, supplier performance, contract negotiations, and governance across the supplier ecosystem. It partners with business stakeholders and cross-functional teams to develop category strategies and secure competitive commercial outcomes.
What you will do
- 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 strong 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.
Skills used in this role
What the employer is looking for
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
- 10 years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, category management, contract management, and commercial negotiations.
- Experience in software sourcing, software licensing models, SaaS, cloud services, or related commercial frameworks.
- Proven stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to collaborate across global and cross-functional teams.
- Proven analytical capabilities with experience in cost modeling, pricing analysis, supplier evaluation, and negotiation planning.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining a strong focus on compliance, governance, and business outcomes.
- Familiar with supplier relationship management (SRM), procurement best practices, and category management methodologies.
- Experience working in a global matrix organization with exposure to cross-cultural stakeholder and supplier management.
Preferred qualifications
- Familiarity with procurement platforms, Microsoft Office tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled sourcing solutions.
Benefits and support
- Compensation and benefits are detailed in the job posting
About Nokia
Nokia Corporation is a multinational telecommunications, information technology, and network equipment provider that delivers critical infrastructure solutions across mobile, fixed, and cloud networks. Known for its historical roots and ongoing global presence in connectivity, the company enables advanced network automation, AI-optimized data center infrastructure, and 5G/6G technology for communications service providers and enterprises worldwide.
- Industry
- Telecommunications
- Company size
- 78005 employees
- Founded
- 1865-05-12
- Location
- Espoo, Finland
- Funding stage
- Public Company
Leadership
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Technology and AI Officer
President of Network Infrastructure
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