Category Manager - Indirect Procurement

Are you looking for a position in which you can drive category management within DFDS’ indirect procurement categories. Would you like to play a big role in creating and driving the transformation towards sustainable solutions and be involved in complex and strategic agreements for DFDS? If so, you could be the perfect fit for our team as Category Manager. 

About the role 

The Group Procurement department is progressing on a journey towards becoming a strong integrated partner for the business and we are focusing on developing and professionalising the sourcing function within our ferry and logistics division. 

You will have responsibility for a broad category, covering the procurement of Marketing, Professional and Financial Services, Insurance, Human Resources, Partnerships and more. In addition, it is expected that you will be able to increase the procurement spend coverage and identify opportunities for delivering additional value.  

Within Group Procurement, there are plenty of opportunities to make a significant impact, show your capabilities, and make a difference. You will get a broad exposure to the whole organisation and top management, where sustainable solutions are high on the strategic agenda. As Category Manager, you will have the opportunity to impact this development process in collaboration with stakeholders and the Procurement team. 

You will be responsible for developing the category strategy and running various projects from initiation to final implementation of a contract and handover to the business, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders. 

More specifically, your tasks will include to: 

• Develop and execute category strategy for key sub-categories


• Identify and develop new high potential areas for involvement


• Maintain and develop relationships with senior stakeholders across the DFDS Group


• Act as a professional integrated partner to the business by engaging independently with your stakeholders


• Drive analytical insights across various categories, incl. complex calculations for recommendations and decision-making


• Create, run, and analyse tenders


• Facilitate the preparation of and execute negotiations in cross-functional teams and finalise agreements with suppliers


• Facilitate meetings with strategic suppliers and drive SRM


• Investigate and develop new high potential areas for involvement. 

You will hold an important position in centralising procurement efforts, implementing and maintaining global/regional contracts and best practice with a focus on optimising supplier performance. 

The position is based at our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. To meet the expectations of the role, 10-20 travel days a year are anticipated. 

About you 

You enjoy a dynamic work environment, embracing challenges and handling multiple tasks at once. Furthermore, you are a true team player with the ability to question and improve the status quo based on excellent communication, sharp analytical skills and change management capabilities. 

The ideal candidate has: 

• Min. 3-5 years of relevant procurement experience


• Business acumen, flexibility, and ability to prioritise based on high business requests and impact-evaluation


• An academic degree, e.g. within business or supply chain management


• In-depth knowledge and experience with tender process, execution and sourcing strategies


• Knowledge of procurement tools, techniques and processes


• Project management skills, incl. ability to develop business plans, plan a project, drive problem solving and manage a project team


• The ability to generate meaningful insights and critically analyse that data to build strong business cases and make strategic decisions. Advanced Excel skills are an advantage.

Furthermore, we are looking for you who have:

• Great interpersonal skills and feel comfortable engaging with stakeholders across cultures and all levels of the organisation 


• A result-oriented mindset while keeping a focus on customers’ needs


• Documented experience in achieving results in strategic procurement, supplier performance- and management, while managing a balance with stakeholder management


• Excellent oral and written English language skills


• Proficiency as an IT user. 

Our promise to you 

You will step into an exciting role with great opportunity to work independently within a team. You will get the chance to shape your own category, make a meaningful impact, and develop new areas of involvement. 

We offer a flexible working environment in an informal and international organisation. You will join our collaborative and inclusive environment where open dialogue is encouraged and solid argumentation is valued over title. You will get a manager with a comprehensive leadership style who will set the direction while valuing input from you and your team members. 

Working at DFDS 

Join the movement and grow with us. 

While you’re with us, we want you to develop. At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We will also offer training courses that can support you in your role, if needed. 

Be a valued member of a diverse team at DFDS and help drive change together. 

At DFDS, we promote a great workplace with a diverse and vibrant community, and a healthy work/life balance. Our newly built headquarters in Copenhagen is a unique, modern workplace. Here, we enjoy our own game room, fitness facilities, cantina and café, and a rooftop terrace with a beautiful ocean view, all just 5 minutes from the nearest train & metro station. 

Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply now. 

Can you see yourself in this role and does it sound like your dream job? Then we’d love to hear from you! If you’re unsure whether you meet all the requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out - we still want to hear from you! 

Send us your CV and cover letter in English as soon as possible as we will meet with candidates on an ongoing basis.

If you have any questions, please contact Head of Indirect Procurement Kasper H. Christensen at [email protected]. 

We look forward to hearing from you!