Category Manager, Global Sourcing

Passion For Procurement And Sustainability? Join Valmet Fabrics!

Do you have passion for procurement and enthusiasm for sustainable solutions? Read on, because Valmet Fabrics is now looking for an experienced Category Manager to join its Global Procurement function.

In this strategic Procurement position, you are expected to manage and develop our PMC (paper machine clothing) main raw material categories’ supplier network, drive supplier collaboration, ensure the goods availability and implement category strategy in collaboration with other stakeholder groups such as the R&D, product management and operation organizations. You will have an important role in supporting business growth by developing a cost-competitive, reliable, and sustainable supplier base. To ensure smooth supplier relationship management, the task requires some traveling globally.

Category consists of suppliers providing main raw materials for fabrics, felts and belts to be used in our own operations. Supplier base is truly global and it’s development requires good vision for successful management.

The Key Responsibilities And Tasks In This Role Include:

• Controlling, optimizing, and developing the category supplier network
• Defining and implementing category strategy in collaboration with several stakeholder groups
• Managing supplier relationships and supplier contracts

• Leading Supplier Negotiations

• Securing desired availability, quality, and cost level
• Harvesting long-term cost savings
• Reporting your progress on agreed KPIs related to savings, quality, and capacity

You will report to the head of Fabrics Procurement and be located at the Yrittäjänkatu office in Tampere.

To succeed in this position, you need to be result oriented and business driven. You understand the importance of procurement in total cost reduction and margin improvement. You find negotiations inspiring and you are a confident negotiator in both English and Finnish.

In Addition, We Hope You Have Some Of The Following Skills:

• (Master’s) Degree in Engineering or Economics
• Several years of experience in procurement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Mindset for constant development and continuous improvement
• Solid IT skills, especially Microsoft Excel
• Having SAP expertise is a big plus for this position
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Textile industry supply chain understanding
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams in global matrix organizations

We Offer:

In return, we offer you an interesting and challenging position in our skilled and committed Global Procurement team. Alongside your local business line responsibilities, you’ll be part of Valmet’s global procurement community, collaborating with colleagues worldwide. You’ll operate in a global business environment with excellent opportunities for personal development. In this role, you’ll have a direct impact on our success and play a key part in implementing our strategy.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits, cutting-edge tools, and continuous learning opportunities. Work with the latest technology in a dynamic team that values innovation. Achieve a healthy work-life balance with flexible hours and remote options. Join us for a career where your skills thrive and your well-being matters truly matters.

Additional Information

For additional information about the technical expectations, description of the position or answers to other questions, please contact Juha Heinonen, Director. You can email juha.heinonen@valmet.com or call +358 50 363 3170, preferably on August 25th, 28th or 29th in the morning and Sep 1st in the afternoon.

Apply by sending your resume and application including salary request by filling out our application form as soon as possible but no later than September 7th, 2025. We review applications during the application period, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. In our recruitment process we use a variety of selection methods, such as video screening, personality questionnaires, ability tests and interviews.

We encourage our employees to a healthier lifestyle by being a smoke-free Workplace.

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With over 19,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, and serve an even wider base of process industries with our automation systems and flow control solutions. Our commitment to moving our customers’ performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how – and above all, teamwork. www.valmet.com/careers