The position

The Category Manager – Indirect is responsible for managing the procurement activities across external vendors providing Indirect services. The Indirect categories include Management consultants, Engineering services, Legal and Audit services, Marketing and Communication, and other services performed by external vendors.

The Category Manager –Indirect is a key member of the Global Business Services Procurement team.  The individual holding this position will report directly to the Senior Manager Indirect Procurement and will work closely with internal stakeholders.  The individual will collaborate across Business Units and will also work closely with the rest of the category management team.

Challenges that will make you grow:

• Procure strategic services for all Hydro’s sites and corporate entities.
• Define a strategic approach to Indirect categories based on spend opportunity analysis, internal stakeholder discussions, while utilizing supply market intelligence, vendor knowledge, and sound procurement strategies.
• Lead negotiations with key vendors and establish long term agreements to implement the defined strategic plan.
• Conduct benchmarking of prices and services across Business Units and cost structure analysis to identify savings opportunities and to create strong negotiation positions.
• Lead strategic sourcing events to establish a competitive sourcing environment for indirect services.
• Work closely with stakeholders (e.g., Business areas procurement departments, GBS Finance, Corporate, and other senior leadership) to develop effective cost-reduction strategies and execution plans, while ensuring vendors meet all requirements for project timeline, service levels, and Health, Safety & Environmental considerations.
• Act as a leader in managing the total cost of ownership (TCO) within the category and, together with all the relevant stakeholders, identify, develop and lead specification, demand and process improvement initiatives.
• Drive long term supplier performance through development and implementation of Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and development of Performance Improvement Plans for any under-performing vendors.
• Review and challenge current purchasing process for indirect services.
• Ensure compliance to all Hydro Procurement Policies and all applicable laws.
• Support initiatives to build capabilities within the procurement community through mentorship, idea-generation, leadership, collaboration, and training delivery.

Qualifications and skills that will help you get ahead

• Bachelor’s degree required.  Preferred focus in Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience, although prefer 10+ years, working in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or related fields.
•  Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and video conferencing tools.
• Experience with Total Cost of Ownership, and ROI analysis preferred.
• Excellent analytical skills, ability to create and manage complex spreadsheets
• Experience with business operating systems, i.e.: SAP, preferred
• Experience working within a project management environment
• Fluent in English

We offer

For the right person, the position offers challenges and good development opportunities. You will work in a multicultural work environment. You will have great opportunities for professional development, as well as work closely with decision-makers in higher management at Hydro. This is a key role with high visibility and the candidate must enjoy being proactive in their role. You will become part of an international purchasing department that has personnel located in Brazil, Hungary, Norway and India. Mainly, stakeholders for this position will be located at the head office in Oslo, but there will also be a natural rotation of responsibilities over time.

Additional information  

Office location to be Hydro’s headquarter at Vækerø in Oslo, Norway.

We look particularly for candidates ready to contribute to our commitment to Sustainability and be a driving force of this within the Procurement department.

Some travelling will be required.

Please enclose a cover letter and copies of relevant academic transcripts, diplomas, certificates etc. Only applications received through our online system will be considered, not via e-mail.

Apply before: March 16, 2025

If you have any questions, please contact: 

Hiring manager
Eszter Havas  
Email:  Eszter.Havas@hydro.com
Phone: (Hungary +36) 30 081 7181

Recruiter
Siri Romsbotn
Email: Siri.Romsbotn@hydro.com
Phone:(Norway +47) 46433363