Category Manager
Pubblicato il 17-08-2026 - Tennant in Emilia-Romagna
Who is Tennant?
Tennant Company is a global leader in the field of professional cleaning equipment and solutions.
For over 150 years, we have stood out for innovation and our commitment to developing sustainable technologies designed to meet our customers' needs.
Our goal is to actively contribute to a cleaner, safer, and healthier world through eco-friendly solutions that improve quality of life.
With manufacturing plants, operational offices, and sales and service networks worldwide, joining Tennant means embarking on a career path full of opportunities — both locally and internationally.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives, ensuring competitiveness, supply continuity and value creation.
Identify, qualify and develop suppliers while continuously optimizing the supplier portfolio.
Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, commercial terms, contracts, rebates and supply agreements.
Execute category spend management and deliver financial targets including cost savings, payment term improvements and cost avoidance initiatives.
Conduct procurement market analyses, benchmark suppliers and monitor relevant commodity and industry trends.
Drive supplier performance management through regular reviews, KPI monitoring and improvement actions.
Identify and implement value engineering opportunities through alternative materials, new technologies, process improvements and supplier innovation.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Product Management and Manufacturing teams to support business requirements and sourcing decisions.
Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity and compliance with company standards.
Support strategic procurement projects at regional and international level and contribute to the development of global sourcing initiatives.
Experience in plastics, rubber, technical components or industrial manufacturing supply markets is preferred.
Background
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
3–5 years of experience in strategic procurement, category management or sourcing, preferably in industrial manufacturing environments.
Experience with direct material categories such as plastics, rubber, technical components or industrial products is highly desirable.
Strong negotiation, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
Understanding of manufacturing processes, cost structures and supplier markets.
Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.
SAP experience is considered an advantage.
Fluent English is required; additional European languages are a plus.
Proactive and results-oriented mindset with strong ownership and accountability.
Willingness to travel occasionally within Europe for supplier visits, audits and industry events.
The offer includes direct employment with the company on a permanent contract, with a gross annual salary ranging from €34,400 to €45,800.
The indicated salary range reflects the expected compensation for the role and is defined based on objective criteria related to the job, including responsibilities, scope, and market benchmarks. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as experience, qualifications, demonstrated capabilities, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for a competitive benefits package and applicable incentive programs.
If you'd like to apply for this role, attach your CV and tell us why you would be a great fit for our team!