Category Manager

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game-changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of. 

We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent – want to join the ride?

We are now looking for an energetic and proactive Category Manager, to join our Supply Management team in Power Supply. The position is permanent and the preferred location is Vaasa or Helsinki(Finland). However, other European locations with existing Supply Management organization in place are also negotiable. 
 
What you will be doing:
 
The Category Manager leads and manages the supply management activities and secures optimal supply base performance of the suppliers in the category across Businesses and Business Units. This category is characterized by its product and supplier diversity, and also by the many different business units it serves. Hence it requires high flexibility and great stakeholder management skills. You will report to the Director Supply Management.
 
As Category Manager, your work will focus on these responsibilities: 
 

• Lead, manage, coach and build the category team in order to bring short and long term results
• Lead Supply Management of the category across Businesses and Business Units
• Ensure that objectives and targets on Quality, Delivery, Costs and Lead Times are met
• Continuously develop and execute the category strategy in close collaboration across Businesses and Business Units
• Ensure appropriate service and support to all the Businesses and Business Units
• Heading a group of materials/sub-categories with the aim to identify sourcing synergies and deliver according to the needs of different Businesses and Business Units
• Function as central point of contact and knowledge for the category
• Lead and develop a category strategy and action plan and align activities, closely together with Businesses and Business Units
• Lead strategic sourcing process for the category, including:
• Supplier selection and validation for agreed category components
• Ensure optimized footprint of supplier base
• Leading negotiations
• Actively participating in product development projects together with the Businesses and Business Units 
• Supply Agreement negotiations
• Continuous benchmark of the supply market with a TCO approach
• Long-term capacity management
• Manage and develop supplier base, relationships and negotiations in close cooperation with Businesses and Business Units
• Material cost budgeting and follow-up 
• Communicate progress and development for strategic sourcing projects to the Divisions/ Business Line
• Actively lead and support problem solving in escalated issues from Business Units or support functions
•   Heading regular category team meetings
   

To be successful in this role we expect you to have:
 

• Management and leadership skills to lead teams both formally as well as in a matrix organization
• Good teambuilding and coaching skills
• Great stakeholder management skills
• Technical knowledge and interest
• B.Sc / M.Sc in Engineering or Economics
• Several years of international sourcing experience
• Experience of complex business negotiations
• Solid understanding of sourcing and supply management
• Experienced in SAP and reporting tools is seen as an advantage 
   

Working style and characteristics of an ideal candidate:
 

• Self-guided and proactive team player, able to operate under pressure
• Positive attitude
• ´´Solution oriented” approach, capability to implement and persistency to follow-up activities and tasks in order to ensure sustainability.
• Growth mindset; eager to develop, learn and try new things to continuously develop and improve.
• Long-term strategic approach and leveraging dual sourcing to drive competitiveness
• Business and financial understanding of the entire value chain
• Good problem-solving skills
• Excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills
• Ability to develop category team and routines and way of working to efficiently meet the expectations of the stakeholders
• Fluent in written and spoken English language
   

In this role, some travel is required to meet with our suppliers around the world. Thus, we hope you to be ready to travel approximately 40%.
 
Why you and us?   
  
You are valued – as your true self. At Wärtsilä YOU matter. We value diversity and are committed in supporting inclusive work community.   
Your growth is supported. We believe in continuous learning & teamwork. Wärtsilian community has your back when it comes to development opportunities – so you can develop beyond your potential.  
You get to make a difference. Innovation and sustainability are important for us. Every day, we - Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality.   
  
Contact & next steps:  
  
Please submit your application before the application deadline of 31.01.2026 through our Careers portal. Applications through email will not be considered. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
 
In case of any questions regarding the position, reach out to: 

Jan Kåre Helgeland 
Director, Supply Management Power Supply
jankare.helgeland@wartsila.com

Last application date: 31/01/2026 

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wärtsilä 

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.