Global Category Manager (f/m/d) - Construction

At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

About the role

As the Global Category Manager (f/m/d) for Construction within Global Real Estate & Facility Procurement, you will play a pivotal role to facilitate SAP employees’ productivity and to contribute to the corresponding Location strategy. It is one of the most critical areas to enable SAP’s growth. Operating with a truly global remit, you will lead high‑complexity, cross‑regional strategic initiatives and define the long‑term vendor and sourcing strategy for your category. You will own and drive the global Construction category strategy - establishing the vendor landscape, building global sourcing frameworks, and implementing robust governance structures that ensure consistency, transparency, and sustainable value delivery.

What you’ll build

• Strategic Leadership & Value Delivery: Define and execute the global Construction category strategy in close collaboration with senior stakeholders, including roadmaps aligned with project schedules, market dynamics, and risk appetite aligned with overall business objectives. Identify, deliver, and track sustainable financial value and long‑term impact across the category. Own end-to-end category performance across demand management, sourcing, contracting, and supplier performance. Lead global, high‑complexity procurement initiatives across Construction spend.
• Category Management & Procurement Excellence: Run high‑value eRFX processes and lead complex commercial and contractual negotiations to secure competitive and future‑proof agreements. Perform market analysis, should-cost modelling, and total cost of ownership (TCO) assessments. Select contracting approaches fit for purpose. Establish and oversee robust governance structures to drive alignment, transparency, and consistent, sustainable outcomes.
• Collaboration, Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Provide functional leadership and guidance to teams, fostering strong collaboration, capability development, and best‑practice sharing. Partner closely with senior business stakeholders, offering strategic procurement insight, advisory support, and category expertise to shape decision‑making. Manage interface/ collaboration with the sourcing excellence team and broader stakeholder alignment to synchronize scope, schedule, budget, and risk.
• Digital Enablement & Insight‑Driven Performance: Leverage data, analytics, and digital tools—including AI‑driven innovations—to enhance visibility, performance management, and category decision‑making. Track category performance via dashboards and drive continuous improvement.
• Vendor Strategy, Innovation & Responsible Sourcing: Build and lead strategic partnerships with strategic partnerships with key vendors, using insights and SRM practices to drive innovation, challenge the status quo, and unlock long‑term value. Oversee vendor performance across value, quality, and ESG dimensions, ensuring responsible sourcing, continuous improvement, and alignment with sustainability and business priorities. Ensure compliance across the Source-to-Pay process and applicable procurement policies.
• Sustainability (ESG) & Real-World Impact: Define and implement category ESG strategies, translating corporate targets into actionable procurement measures. Identify and drive Real World Measures. Own ESG performance, including baseline definition and tracking with Controlling, Sustainability, and Audit. Lead supplier ESG programs. Embed sustainability criteria into sourcing and supplier decisions to deliver measurable impact.

What you bring

• 8+ years of strategic procurement experience, including the design and execution of complex sourcing strategies and high‑value, multi‑market negotiations.
• Strong background in Construction Procurement.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing global category strategies within complex, multinational environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑regional and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong leadership presence with excellent communication, advisory, and influencing skills.
• Ability to effectively engage, challenge, and align senior stakeholders across functions and geographies.
• Strong proficiency in leveraging data, analytics, and digital tools.
• University degree preferably in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent work experience.
• Professional procurement certification.
• Strong project management background.
• Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken.