Senior Category Manager Telecoms

About DHL and Procurement:

DHL Group the logistics provider of the world with over 580,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories. We are an organization that is not just moving goods around, we have a very clear purpose, and we are: Connecting People. Improving Lives. 

DHL Corporate Procurement is a trustworthy business partner that builds a competitive ecosystem for the DHL Group – SUSTAINABLE, AGILE, CONNECTED, FORWARD LOOKING. We transform the way DHL is sourcing products, systems and services from external partners, leveraging modern digital tools and technologies. Our global procurement team is our biggest asset and by focusing on clear priorities, we drive tangible value for our colleagues.

We are looking for an immediate, full-time, permanent position within Prague or Warsaw or Budapest.

Job Purpose

Join DHL Group’s Corporate Procurement team as a key expert in Telecommunications Sourcing. In this role, you will drive best-in-class procurement strategies for telecommunications services and products, ensuring high-quality solutions that optimize costs. You will manage complex, global supplier relationships, negotiate telecom contracts—including management outsourcing agreements—and align sourcing initiatives with organizational goals.

Building and nurturing strong relationships will be at the core of your responsibilities, both with internal stakeholders, including C-level executives, and with some of the world’s largest and most valuable telecom suppliers. Reporting directly to the VP, Head of Telecommunications Sourcing, you will independently lead sourcing projects with an annual spend ranging from €10M to €60M, contributing to the strategic and financial success of DHL Group.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global and cross-regional telecom sourcing strategies that align with business objectives.
• Lead virtual, multi-disciplinary teams across countries to manage telecom-related procurement activities.
• Optimize telecommunications sourcing in compliance with business needs, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Conduct supply market research to support investment decisions, budgeting, and contract negotiations.
• Analyze market trends and regulations to develop price models, forecasts, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Negotiate and manage outsourced telecom contracts, ensuring optimal service quality and cost efficiency.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to enhance collaboration.
• Integrate procurement strategies into business planning through effective influence and stakeholder engagement.
• Evaluate, select, and manage telecommunications suppliers through market tenders and performance assessments.
• Implement cost-effective procurement practices to optimize budget utilization.
• Collaborate with IT, operations, and finance teams to align telecommunications sourcing with business requirements.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supplier performance and ensure service excellence.
• Identify and mitigate risks in telecom procurement, developing contingency plans for potential supply chain disruptions.
• Contribute actively as part of the global Telecommunications Sourcing and IT Sourcing community, sharing insights and best practices.

Your Profile

• A relevant university degree (Bachelor’s or higher) or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of procurement experience, particularly in telecommunications
• Strong technical understanding of telecommunications networks and architecture is an advantage.
• Proven experience managing complex projects in a multi-functional, fast-paced environment.
• Strategic and critical thinker with the ability to drive procurement initiatives successfully.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills, with the ability to develop cost models and financial projections.
• High customer orientation and the ability to "sell" procurement solutions to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Passionate about working in agile environments and adaptable to changing business needs.
• Excellent influencing skills, capable of engaging stakeholders and driving strategic decisions.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.
• Fluency in English; additional language skills are an advantage.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work for the world’s largest logistics company.
• A dynamic, international, and virtual working environment.
• Flexibility and excellent opportunities for professional growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

DHL is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. 

If this is something you would like to do, don’t hesitate and start your application