Category Manager – Corporate & Outsourced Services
Aptiv · Dublin
We are seeking a highly motivated Category Manager to lead the strategic sourcing, commercial management, and governance of outsourced service providers across multiple business functions.
The role is responsible for developing category strategies, managing key supplier relationships, leading competitive sourcing events, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring outsourced contracts deliver maximum value, performance, innovation, and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities
Category & Sourcing Strategy
- Develop and execute category strategies for outsourced services aligned with business objectives.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFI, RFQ, RFP, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards.
- Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks.
- Drive cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives.
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Manage strategic supplier relationships through regular governance meetings and business reviews.
- Establish supplier performance KPIs and ensure contractual obligations are achieved.
- Identify and implement supplier innovation and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Resolve supplier performance issues and commercial disputes in collaboration with stakeholders.
Contract & Commercial Management
- Lead negotiation of complex commercial agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs), Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and contract renewals.
- Ensure contracts deliver appropriate service levels, risk protection, pricing structures, and performance incentives.
- Monitor contract compliance and proactively manage renewals and renegotiations.
Stakeholder Management
- Partner with business leaders to understand requirements and align sourcing strategies to business priorities.
- Influence stakeholders and facilitate decision-making on supplier selection and contracting strategies.
- Provide procurement expertise and market insights to support operational and strategic objectives.
Risk & Governance
- Assess supplier risks, including operational, financial, regulatory, cybersecurity, and continuity risks.
- Develop contingency and mitigation plans for critical outsourced services.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracting standards, and governance requirements.
Experience, Skills & Education
Experience
- Minimum 7 years of experience in procurement
- Sourcing
- Category management, and/or supplier management, with a proven track record leading RFPs, contract negotiations, and complex supplier engagements
Skills
- Strategic sourcing
- Category management
- Contractual negotiations
- Supplier relationship management
- Outsourced service governance
- Stakeholder management
- Cost optimization
- Risk management
Education
Bachelor's degree preferred; significant relevant procurement and supplier management experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational requirements.
Your Benefits @ Aptiv
- Benefits/Perks: Personal holidays, Healthcare, Dental, Pension, Tax saver scheme, Free Onsite Breakfast & Lunch, Discounted Corporate Gym Membership.
- Multicultural environment
- Learning, professional growth and development in a world-recognized international environment.
- Access to internal & external training, coaching & certifications.
- Recognition for innovation and excellence.
- Access to transportation: Grand Canal Dock is well-connected to public transportation, including DART trains, buses, and bike-sharing services, making it easy to get to and from the area.
Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.