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Category Manager
full-timeVantaa, Tampere

Summary

Location

Vantaa, Tampere

Type

full-time

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About this role

Are you the experienced and passionate procurement & sourcing professional and positive team-player we are looking for? If yes, we offer you the opportunity to join our Valmet Automation Solutions, Global Category team and lead selected category tasks globally. This means securing competitive global services, including processes, cost-effectiveness, high quality performance and operational efficiency.

At Valmet, we are shaping the future of sustainable solutions through innovation, collaboration, and a seamless lifecycle approach. Join us as we move forward with our renewed strategy to Lead the Way. This means pioneering smarter technologies, expanding our service capabilities, and delivering customer value across the entire lifecycle—from raw material to finished product. If you're ready to make a real impact in a dynamic, future-focused environment, we invite you to grow with us.

You will be reporting to the Manager, Global Category Management and this permanent position will be based in Finland (Tampere, Vantaa or Jyväskylä).

Your main responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement global category strategy

  • Negotiate and manage strategic global supplier contracts to ensure optimum TCO and minimum supply and commercial risk.

  • Create, implement, and follow-up development programs for the selected strategic key suppliers

  • Promote supplier ideas for cost savings and CO2 emission reductions

  • Lead and drive the Supplier Relationship Management program in your category

  • Proactively utilize, manage and maintain the category data

  • Continuously drive and lead the global supplier development strategy

  • Keep close cooperation with Valmet internal stakeholders

To be successful in this role you need to have a strong background in demanding procurement positions. Strategic and analytical mindset together with passionate, hands-on, saving-oriented way of working is a combination that we really value. In addition to your solid procurement knowledge and expertise you are able to consult and coach others and handle pressured situations without losing your positive and encouraging attitude. 

What do we expect from you?

  • Master's degree in engineering related science preferred

  • Strong background from external engineering and IT/SW category related positions

  • Comprehensive understanding of Sourcing & Category Management

  • Extensive experience (minimum of 7 years) managing and working with a global supplier base

  • Overall understanding about data analysis and project management

  • Strong cross-functional influencer and successful track record to build, inspire and lead matrix teams to achieve overall goals and objectives

  • Capable and motivated to challenge the status quo

  • Willingness to travel

  • Fluent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills in English/Finnish, as well as presentation and facilitation skills.

What can you expect from us?

We offer you an inspiring global management level position and chance to work within our global team consisting of procurement professionals to inspire and support you. This will come with the opportunities for professional development in a highly international working environment characterized by strong commitment to sustainability and future orientation.  

Additional information:

To be included in the recruiting process, please complete our on-line application form and send your CV in English with salary expectation, as soon as possible but no later than February  7th, 2026. Please note that we will not accept applications by
e-mail. Note that we will proceed with interviews as soon as suitable candidates are identified, already before the end of the application period.

Do you want to know more?

For further information about the position, please contact Heikki Huida, Manager, Global Category Management.
[email protected] or call  +358 50 4823853

For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Wiktoria Miedzińska, Recruiter

[email protected]

We encourage our employees to a healthier lifestyle by being a Smoke-free Workplace.

Next Steps:

Your profile will be reviewed during January/February.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to a preliminary online video interview.
This will be followed by an initial interview with the hiring manager and possible online assessment.
Finalists will be invited for a concluding interview.

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With 19,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Our commitment to moving our customers’ performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how – and above all, teamwork.

Join the team! www.valmet.com/career

Other facts

Tech stack
Procurement,Sourcing,Category Management,Negotiation,Supplier Management,Data Analysis,Project Management,Cross-Functional Influence,Team Leadership,Cost Savings,CO2 Emission Reductions,Strategic Thinking,Analytical Mindset,Communication Skills,Presentation Skills,Facilitation Skills

About Valmet

Valmet is a global technology leader serving process industries. We work together with our customers throughout the entire lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of over 19,000 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

In 2024, Valmet’s net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.4 billion. Our head office is in Espoo, Finland, and we have experts in approximately 40 countries around the world. Valmet’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

Valmet has two focused segments:​ Biomaterial Solutions and Services and Process Performance Solutions. Valmet’s operating model consists of five business areas: Automation Solutions; Flow Control; Pulp, Energy and Circularity; Packaging and Paper; and Tissue. The business areas are supported by a separate Latin America unit and a China Chair. The Global Supply unit supports cost-competitiveness by optimizing and leveraging Valmet’s global scale in procurement and production.

Team size: 10,001+ employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Machinery Manufacturing

What you'll do

  • Develop and implement global category strategy while negotiating and managing strategic global supplier contracts. Lead supplier relationship management and drive global supplier development strategy.

Ready to join Valmet?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Category Manager do at Valmet?

As a Category Manager at Valmet, you will: develop and implement global category strategy while negotiating and managing strategic global supplier contracts. Lead supplier relationship management and drive global supplier development strategy..

Why join Valmet as a Category Manager?

Valmet is a leading Machinery Manufacturing company.

Is the Category Manager position at Valmet remote?

The Category Manager position at Valmet is based in Vantaa, Uusimaa, Finland and Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Category Manager position at Valmet?

You can apply for the Category Manager position at Valmet directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Valmet on their website.