Category Manager

Job Description

Who we are

VOIS (Vodafone Intelligent Solutions) is a strategic arm of Vodafone Group Plc, creating value for customers by delivering intelligent solutions through Talent, Technology & Transformation.
As the largest shared services organisation in the global telco industry with 30,000 FTE, our portfolio of next-generation solutions and services are designed in partnership with customers across Vodafone Group, local markets, and partner markets to simplify and drive growth. With our strategic partner Accenture, we work alongside our Vodafone customers, other Telco and tech companies to drive transformation, meet the challenges of our industry and ensure we stay relevant and resilient. This partnership is a unique, industry-first model which brings together the best of in-house and 3rd party capability.
We work with customers across 28 countries from 10 VOIS locations: Albania, Egypt, Hungary, India, Romania, Spain, Turkey, UK, Germany, Ireland, and with a network of teams in Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.

#VOIS #BeUnrivalled #CreateTheFuture

About this Role

We are seeking a category management professional with strong commercial insight and procurement expertise to lead the leased lines category across Vodafone markets. This role focuses on defining and executing category strategy, managing supplier relationships, and delivering measurable value through savings, improved commercial models, and service outcomes. The role works closely with local markets, senior stakeholders, and suppliers to ensure alignment with Vodafone’s global supply chain objectives.

What you’ll do

• Define, gain approval for, and execute the global leased lines category strategy across Vodafone markets.
• Lead RFQs, supplier negotiations, and contract renewals or amendments in collaboration with legal and internal stakeholders.
• Drive the delivery of sourcing initiatives end-to-end, ensuring savings and performance improvements are realised within agreed timelines.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with senior stakeholders, policy owners, and local market teams.
• Develop and lead negotiation strategies to achieve cost efficiencies and enhanced service delivery.
• Design and implement innovative commercial models and sourcing solutions for Vodafone and third-party customers.
• Identify performance improvement opportunities within the category and lead corrective actions.
• Contribute to reporting and tracking of category targets in line with supply chain governance and standards.
• Promote consistent use of supply chain tools, processes, and policies across markets.

Who you are

• An individual with strong commercial and negotiation capabilities, particularly in multi-year and complex contractual agreements.
• Experienced in telecoms procurement, with a solid understanding of the leased lines market, industry practices, and trends.
• Confident working with virtual, cross-cultural teams and influencing stakeholders at senior levels.
• Comfortable analysing data to support decision-making and category transformation initiatives.
• Skilled in written and verbal communication, including executive-level presentations.
• Knowledgeable in network services, with exposure to data centre commercial models considered an advantage.
• Professionally proficient in English and German.

Not a perfect fit?

Concerned you may not meet every requirement? Vodafone is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align exactly with every aspect of the job description, you are encouraged to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or another opportunity, and the recruitment team will support you in exploring where your skills fit best.

What's in it for you

• Exposure to global, strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple Vodafone markets.
• Opportunities to influence commercial outcomes at scale within a complex, international organisation.
• Collaboration with diverse, cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders across geographies.
• A role that supports continuous professional growth through challenging, high-impact work.

What skills you will learn

• Advanced category strategy development and execution at a global level.
• Complex supplier negotiation and contract management techniques.
• Stakeholder management across large, matrixed organisations.
• Commercial innovation within telecoms and network services procurement.

VOIS Equal Opportunity Employer Commitment

Vodafone recognises and celebrates the value of diversity in building a workforce that reflects the customers and communities it serves. No form of discrimination is tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on race, colour, age, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, citizenship, indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, neurodiversity, social origin, cultural background, marital or civil partnership status, or socio-economic background.

Join Us

At Vodafone, we’re working hard to build a better future. A more connected, inclusive and sustainable world. As a dynamic global community, it's our human spirit, together with technology, that empowers us to achieve this.
We challenge and innovate in order to connect people, businesses, and communities across the world. Delighting our customers and earning their loyalty drive us, and we experiment, learn fast and get it done, together.
With us, you can be truly be yourself and belong, share inspiration, embrace new opportunities, thrive, and make a real difference.