> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2669586-european-it-category-manager-software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2669586-european-it-category-manager-software). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # European IT Category Manager Software - **Company:** Phoenix Pharmahandel GmbH & Co. KG - **Location:** Mannheim, Germany - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Software as a Service, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, IT Management, Microsoft Software, Oracle (Applications), Procurement Software, Cloud Services, Salesforce.Com, SAP (Applications), Software Asset Management, Software Licensing Audit, Software Licensing, IT Architecture, Adobe, Information Technology, Servicenow - **Published:** September 1, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.phoenixgroup.eu/en/p/hp-germany/jobs/147469/apply ## About the Role * University degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Business Informatics, Procurement, or a comparable qualification * Extensive professional experience in Software Procurement, IT Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Software Asset Management * Deep expertise in software licensing models including SaaS, Subscription, Enterprise Agreements, Consumption-Based Models, Cloud Services, and Hybrid Licensing Structures * Proven track record in negotiating complex multi-million Euro software and cloud agreements on an international level * Strong understanding of software vendor ecosystems and market dynamics * Experience with software compliance, licensing metrics, software audits, and commercial governance * Excellent stakeholder management skills across senior business and IT leadership levels * Strong analytical capabilities combined with commercial acumen * High degree of autonomy, personal ownership, and execution strength * Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills * Experience with Source-to-Pay platforms and strategic procurement tools * Fluent English skills; German language skills are an advantage ## Description We are looking for an European IT Category Manager Software (m/f/d) in our Corporate General Procurement function., * Development and execution of a European category strategy for Software, SaaS, Cloud, and Digital Solutions * Management of strategic sourcing initiatives and RFx processes across the PHOENIX Group * Leading complex commercial negotiations with global software vendors and cloud providers * Identification of cost optimization opportunities, demand consolidation potential, and supplier rationalization initiatives * Market intelligence and benchmarking of software vendors, licensing models, emerging technologies, and industry trends * Close collaboration with IT Architecture, Cyber Security, Digital, Finance, Data Protection, and Legal teams * Development and implementation of negotiation strategies for strategic vendors such as Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Adobe, ServiceNow and other key software providers * Contract lifecycle support, including commercial risk management, renewals, audits, compliance, and governance activities * Driving continuous improvement initiatives within software procurement and supplier management processes * Acting as the company's subject matter expert for software procurement and licensing topics, * Future-proof: We are growing and expanding. We are the market leader and offer you a permanent employment contract, vacation pay as well as 30 days of vacation and much more. (job bike, company pension scheme, etc. * Reconciliation of private and professional life: We offer mobile office and flexible working time models. * Career: We promote you! There are great opportunities within the PHOENIX Group. * Continuing education: We would love to - we are happy if you are eager to learn. The PHOENIX Learning World offers you an exclusive range of further training courses. * Team: This is how we work. We promote team cohesion through small and large events. ## Related Videos - [Beyond Hiring: Building a Sustainable Talent Acquisition Engine at Deutsche Bahn](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1856-beyond-hiring-building-a-sustainable-talent-acquisition-engine-at-deutsche-bahn) - [Applying Agile Principles to Incident Management ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/101-applying-agile-principles-to-incident-management) - [3x Performance: A Humbling Journey](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100165-3x-performance-a-humbling-journey) - [Your Manager Doesn’t Come with a User Manual (But You Can Totally Write One)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1495-your-manager-doesn-t-come-with-a-user-manual-but-you-can-totally-write-one) - [AI in Production: applied AI & enterprise use cases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100130-ai-in-production-applied-ai-enterprise-use-cases) - [NoCode LiveCode: Leveraging AI Tools to Craft Fully Functional Apps!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1169-nocode-livecode-leveraging-ai-tools-to-craft-fully-functional-apps) ## Related Articles - [The Biggest German Tech Companies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/424-the-biggest-german-tech-companies) - [Best Companies to Work For in Germany: Top 25 Companies in 2023 ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/33-best-companies-to-work-for-in-germany-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [IT Salaries in Germany](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/287-it-salaries-in-germany) - [Best Companies to Work For in Berlin: Top 14 Companies in 2023 ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/188-best-companies-to-work-for-in-berlin-top-14-companies-in-2023) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [System change: restart as developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/39-system-change-restart-as-developer)