GLOBAL CATEGORY MANAGER, CUSTOMER OPERATIONS

Company At the Vodafone Procurement Company (VPC), we are more than just a procurement organization; we're a global powerhouse and a center of excellence, driving innovation and delivering world-class services across Vodafone and its markets.
Based in the vibrant hub of Luxembourg, VPC is at the heart of Vodafone’s €25bn global spending, influencing decisions that shape the future of procurement.
Since our inception in , we've not only transformed Vodafone’s procurement strategy but have also set new standards in the industry.
We’re proud to partner with both internal and external clients, leveraging cutting-edge digital practices and global expertise to deliver strategic procurement solutions that are future-proof.
At VPC, you’re not just taking a job; you’re joining a movement.
You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team where your ideas and expertise will make a real difference.
With us, you’ll have the opportunity to influence global procurement strategies, work on high-impact projects, and be recognized for your contributions in a dynamic, innovative environment.
What you’ll do Are you ready to shape the future of Vodafone's global procurement strategy? As a Category Manager for Customer Operations with Vodafone Procurement & Connectivity company, you’ll be at the forefront of managing a key category with an annual spend of ~€1 billion.
In this dynamic role, you'll spearhead the execution of high-impact global projects, driving innovation and efficiency across our Customer Operations category.
Working within an established, central procurement team, you'll report directly to the Principal Category Manager for Customer Operations.
You’ll be a key player in our agile project team, collaborating closely with senior stakeholders and local Customer Operations and Supply Chain Management teams.
This role offers the unique opportunity to lead the management of complex contracts and commercial models, requiring top-notch project management skills.
If you have a proven track record of successfully managing complex global categories, RFPs, and contracts, and you're eager to make a tangible impact on a global scale, this is the role for you.
Join us and be part of a cross-functional team that’s driving the future of procurement at Vodafone.
Your responsibilities.
Drive and execute global sourcing strategies to achieve key outcomes.
Manage sourcing activities and contracts up to €1 billion.
Oversee ongoing contract management, ensuring compliance and addressing issues like service credits, disputes, and performance reviews.
Build strong partnerships with local COPS and SCM teams, emphasizing cross-functional teamwork.
Develop long-term relationships with COPS agencies, driving value, quality, and innovation.
Stay ahead of industry trends and continuously implement best practices to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Innovate and refine category-specific contracts and commercial models in collaboration with Legal, SCM, and COPS teams.
Drive technological and process improvements for effective category management.
Manage complex sourcing projects, including pricing, commercial, and legal negotiations.
Help achieve key financial targets, including centralized spending, savings, and working capital improvements.
Maintain accurate global COPS spending, vendor, and contract data, providing strategic insights through in-depth analytics to strengthen Vodafone’s market position.
Who you are Procurement Experience.
Minimum 5-7 years of experience in outsourcing Customer Operations, or in global complex category management.
Experience working in cross-functional, regional, or global teams.
Global Sourcing Expertise.
Demonstrated success in leading and contributing to large, complex global sourcing projects.
Numerical and Analytical Proficiency.
Strong with numbers and financial reporting, including advanced modeling skills.
apable of synthesizing and presenting key insights to senior stakeholders.
Communication and Stakeholder Management.
Exceptional communication skills with a talent for stakeholder management and relationship building.
ffective in influencing and persuading virtual teams.
Negotiation and Decision-Making.
Strong negotiation abilities with a drive to make decisions and close deals.
Project Management and Delivery.
Skilled in managing multiple projects across various functions and geographies, ensuring delivery rigor and challenging where necessary.
Flexibility and Teamwork.
A flexible, intelligent team player capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels to drive change.
Innovative Thinking.
Ability to think creatively and bring continuous innovation to the role, including developing new commercial models, improving contractual terms, and enhancing reporting.
Educational Background or Experience.
A university degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred, especially with a focus on data, analytics, business intelligence, and digital tools or proven experience in the field.
Language Skills.
Fluency in English is a must, and the knowledge of additional languages is an asset (ie.
German, Italian, Spanish).
Not a perfect fit? Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background.
If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.
What's in it for you We want you to feel happy and fulfilled at work, without compromising the other things in life that matter to you.
Here are some of the ways we support this.
Annual Discretionary Bonus •    Rewarding your hard work and dedication Generous Annual Leave •    28 days of annual leave, with the option to buy an additional 5 days and the opportunity to carry over 5 days per year •    1 additional day (Family Day) for personal milestones or special occasions •    11 public holidays to enjoy time with family and friends •    5 charity days per year to give back to the community Flexible Work Arrangements •    Flexible working schedule to help you balance your professional and personal life  •    20 days to work from abroad, allowing you to combine work with travel and new experiences Comprehensive Health and Wellness •    Lunch vouchers to support your midday meals •    Access to private AXA health insurance and a robust pension scheme to secure your health and future Continuous Learning and Development Your journey to joining us Apply.
Take the first step and submit your application.
We’re excited to learn more about you! CV Review.
Our team will carefully review your CV to ensure your skills align with the role.
Recruiter Call.
Let’s chat! We’ll discuss your experience and what excites you about this opportunity.
Personality Assessment.
Discover your strengths with our insightful personality test.
1st Business Interview.
Meet with the team to dive deeper into your expertise and how you can contribute to our success.
2nd Business Interview.
A final conversation to explore your fit with our company culture and long-term goals.
Your Outcome.
We’ll share the decision with you—either welcoming you aboard or providing valuable feedback.
Who we are You may have heard of Vodafone - We're a leading Telecommunications company in Europe and Africa.
But you might not know that we are continuously investing in new technologies to improve the lives of millions of customers, businesses, and people around the world, creating a better future for everyone.
As part of our global family, whether Vodafone, Vodacom, or _VOIS, you'll feel a sense of pride and purpose as you contribute to our culture of innovation.
We pursue equality of opportunity and inclusion for all candidates through our employment policies and practices.
We recognize and celebrate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our workspace and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination especially related to but not limited to race, color, age, veteran status, gender identification, sexual orientation, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, Indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, social origin, cultural background, social, or marital status.
Together we can Vodafone is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a motivating and inclusive workplace in which talent is truly recognised and rewarded.
We are committed to promoting Inclusion for All with the belief that diversity plays an important role in the success of our business.
We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.