PRINCIPAL PROCUREMENT MANAGER, CUSTOMER OPERATIONS WITH GERMAN

Company The Vodafone Procurement and Connectivity Company (VPC) in Luxembourg is a vital part of the Vodafone Group, driving our ambition to connect for a better future.
At VPC, we source products and services globally to ensure our business operates at its peak performance.
Our mission is to support our people in delivering on our strategy, creating a brand cherished by customers, communities, partners, and colleagues alike.
We believe in empowering our team members, encouraging them to take ownership and maximize their diverse talents.
Continuous learning and growth are at the heart of our culture, fostering both personal and professional development.
If you're a strategic thinker passionate about innovation and leadership in the telecom industry, we want to hear from you.
Join us at Vodafone and be a key player in our journey to reshape the future of global carrier buying! We get it done, together.
What you’ll do As a Principal Category Manager – Customer Operations (COPS) with Vodafone Procurement Company (VPC), you will take on a leadership role, driving the strategy for global procurement within Customer Operations.
With direct oversight of a high-performing team of 4-5 Category Managers or Specialists, you will lead the execution of key projects in a category where Vodafone’s annual expenditure is ~€1bn.
In this role, you will regularly engage with senior stakeholders across Vodafone’s global markets, including Consumer Business Unit Directors and Heads of Customer Operations, while collaborating closely with local Supply Chain Management (SCM) teams.
You’ll also engage with third-party businesses to negotiate complex commercial contracts, develop innovative solutions, and build strong partnerships.
This is a leadership position that will challenge you to manage complex, high-value global contracts and lead cross-functional virtual teams.
If you are an inspiring leader, looking for an opportunity to make a global impact, this role is for you.
Your responsibilities.
Strategic Sourcing Leadership Lead the global strategy and deployment of sourcing initiatives within the Customer Operations category.
Develop and implement comprehensive category plans to meet business objectives, overseeing all aspects of commercial, legal, and pricing negotiations.
Ensure the successful execution of highly complex sourcing projects, driving results that align with Vodafone’s broader business goals.
Team Leadership & Development Lead, inspire, and mentor a talented team of Category Managers, fostering a culture of autonomy, innovation, and continuous development.
Drive your team’s professional growth by guiding them through complex challenges and encouraging innovative problem-solving.
Ensure your team is equipped with the latest tools, processes, and technologies to excel in category management.
Stakeholder & Supplier Management Build and maintain strong relationships with senior local and group stakeholders, as well as third-party suppliers, to influence and drive key category strategies.
Challenge the status quo and present innovative solutions to senior leadership, ensuring alignment between procurement goals and business needs.
Represent the category at senior leadership meetings, driving continuous improvement and fostering collaboration across Vodafone’s global markets.
Innovation & Industry Expertise Continuously evolve Vodafone’s approach to commercial and contracting models, working closely with internal teams and strategic suppliers.
Stay ahead of industry trends, competitors, and market opportunities, ensuring Vodafone’s procurement strategies remain competitive and innovative.
Promote best practices for operational excellence, innovation, customer experience, and cost savings.
Data-Driven Decision Making Leverage data analytics to provide insights, drive informed decision-making, and ensure Vodafone’s competitive edge in the marketplace.
Own the delivery of key financial targets, including spend optimization, savings, and working capital improvements.
Who you are Team Management & Leadership.
Proven experience in direct line management or virtual team management within global, cross-functional, or long-term projects.
Demonstrated success in mentoring and coaching team members to achieve professional growth.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on involvement in specific category issues.
roven capability to manage ambitious objectives and maintain team momentum in challenging environments (e.
., remote stakeholder management, complex contracting processes, or policy challenges).
Procurement Experience.
Proven track record of participating in and delivering large, complex global sourcing projects.
xperience in outsourcing Customer Operations and working cross-functionally within a regional or global organization.
Analytical Skills.
Strong numerical and analytical skills, with expertise in financial reporting, modeling, and synthesizing insights for senior stakeholders.
Creativity.
Ability to think creatively and introduce continuous innovation, such as new commercial models, improved contractual terms, or better reporting systems.
Influencial Skills.
Proven ability to align stakeholders with diverse interests towards common goals.
Collaboration & Flexibility.
Team player with a flexible approach, capable of engaging with business stakeholders at all levels to drive change.
Ability to foster a collaborative environment and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
Languages.
Proficiency in English is required.
Proficiency in German is preferred.
Additional languages (Italian, Spanish) are considered a plus.
Educational Background or Experience.
Business degree or equivalent qualification is preferred.
Proven professional experience in a relevant field may substitute for formal education.
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 •    Access to Vodafone University and online training resources to help you grow your skills and advance your career Who we are You may have already heard of Vodafone - We're a leading Telecommunications company in Europe and Africa.
But what you might not know is 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 that's 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.