Global Category Director, Steel

Purpose of the position

Location: Poland / Sweden / Finland
Reports To: Vice President, Sourcing

Kalmar, a global leader in cargo-handling solutions, is seeking an accomplished and visionary professional for the role of Global Category Director, Steel. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive strategic initiatives within a Scandinavian organizational culture that values collaboration, innovation, and flexibility.

The Global Category Director, Steel is entrusted with creating, developing, and executing a comprehensive sourcing strategy for the Global Steel Category. This includes the subcategory of Medium Steel Structures across multiple divisions globally.

This position plays a vital role in achieving Kalmar's objectives by:

• Driving innovation and sustainability in steel sourcing to enhance our operational performance and reduce total acquisition costs.
• Serving as the primary leader for all category-related initiatives, aligning strategies across global divisions and business areas.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with key suppliers to secure the best outcomes in quality, delivery, cost, and innovation.
• Incorporating decarbonization and sustainability principles into all facets of the sourcing strategy.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Global Steel Category Strategy in collaboration with divisional stakeholders.
• Align sourcing initiatives with broader organizational objectives, focusing on cost efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract implementation, and relationship management to achieve world-class performance standards.
• Gather and analyze market intelligence to inform strategy and proactively mitigate risks.
• Drive decarbonization initiatives, integrating sustainability into all category strategies.
• Optimize the supply base, ensuring the best balance of quality, cost, and reliability.
• Act as the primary global leader for category needs, collaborating with R&D, Operations, Finance, and other key teams.

What you’ll need to succeed

We are looking for a dynamic leader with the expertise to drive innovation and operational excellence in a global and matrixed environment.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field (MBA preferred).

• At least 8 years of strategic sourcing experience, with expertise in steel sourcing.

• Proven success in leading global supplier relationships and negotiating complex agreements.

• Experience managing teams in multinational organizations and matrix structures.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic and innovative mindset with a focus on sustainability.

• Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills.

• Strong leadership capabilities to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.

• Advanced understanding of supply chain dynamics and market trends within the steel category.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Joining Kalmar means being at the forefront of smarter, more sustainable cargo-handling solutions. Your expertise will directly shape our global strategy, ensuring we remain a leader in the industry.

Interested to join?

Kalmar fosters a Scandinavian organizational culture that values inclusivity, innovation, and work-life balance. We support remote work arrangements and provide a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:

• Company car
• Healthcare and life insurance
• Sports card for fitness and wellness
• Additional perks tailored to your well-being and professional growth

Are you ready to make an impact?