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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Category Manager -Software, AI & Digital Platforms - **Company:** Quantum-Systems GmbH - **Location:** Dortmund, Germany - **Experience:** Experienced - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Software as a Service, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Digital Technology, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PAAS), Procurement Software, Software Tools, Web Platforms, Information Technology - **Published:** September 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.de/details/5899231147 ## About the Role * Proven track record in strategic sourcing, procurement, or vendor management of software, digital technologies, engineering software, and technology services. * Experience negotiating complex software, cloud, or technology contracts (on-prem, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) * 3 - 7 years of experience within the field of SW and IT procurement * Degree in IT, SW, Computer Science, Digital Technologies, Business, or a comparable field * Strong interest in software, AI, and modern technology stacks * Ability to work with technical stakeholders and understand engineering trade-offs * Structured, ownership-driven mindset with strong negotiation skills * Excellent communication skills in English (German is a plus) ## Description As Strategic Buyer Software, AI & Digital Technologies, you will play a key role in shaping the technology ecosystem behind Quantum Systems' next-generation autonomous systems. You will build and manage strategic partnerships across software, AI, cloud and digital technologies, while influencing make-or-buy decisions and sourcing strategies that support our rapid growth. Working closely with Engineering, Product, and IT, you will ensure access to the right technologies, partners, and commercial models required to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative solutions. The primary focus of this role is the procurement and commercial management of software, AI, and digital technologies embedded in or enabling Quantum Systems' products and customer solutions, rather than internal enterprise IT infrastructure. This role combines strategic procurement with emerging technologies, offering a high degree of ownership, short decision paths, and direct impact on product development within one of Europe's fastest-growing deep-tech companies. What is your Day to Day Mission: * Own the sourcing strategy for software, AI, and digital technologies that directly support Quantum Systems' products, platforms, and customer-facing capabilities across the entire product lifecycle. * Develop and execute category strategies for software and digital technologies aligned with Quantum Systems' business objectives, technology roadmap, and growth ambitions. * Shape and manage a strategic technology partner ecosystem that accelerates innovation, supports scale-up, and strengthens Quantum Systems' technology capabilities. * Build and evolve a strategic ecosystem for software and digital technologies through driving make-or-buy decisions, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and strategic partnerships that enable innovation, scalability, and business growth. * Continuously strengthen the technology ecosystem by identifying innovative partners and solutions while ensuring scalability, resilience, and cost efficiency across the supply base. * Contribute as part of a cross-functional team, partnering with Engineering, Product, IT, Cybersecurity, and Legal to provide efficient and cost optimized (license) procurement and advanced value capturing. * Manage supplier performance, commercial escalations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to maintain a high-performing, reliable, and constant competitive technology supply base. * Ensure procurement activities are conducted in line with company policies, governance standards, and compliance requirements. How Success is Measured: * Achievement of cost efficiency, budget targets and constant (cost and performance) improvement * Supplier performance and reliability (time to market, quality, delivery, scalability) * Successful implementation of aligned make-or-buy decisions * Strength and scalability of the software, AI, cloud, and digital technology ecosystem * Reduction of supplier and technology risks (e.g. dependencies, lock-in) and maintained operational flexibility * Enabling contribution to speed and success of product development and operations ## Related Videos - [How Lufthansa Industry Solutions is preparing for the Quantum Age! ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1443-how-lufthansa-industry-solutions-is-preparing-for-the-quantum-age) - [Project Fugu: Extending the web](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/832-project-fugu-extending-the-web) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [ Secure Code Superstars: Empowering Developers and Surpassing Security Challenges Together](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/422-secure-code-superstars-empowering-developers-and-surpassing-security-challenges-together) - [Quantum Tech: Preparing for the Next Leap](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1693-quantum-tech-preparing-for-the-next-leap) - [Keith Cirkle of GitHub on React Fatigue](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1265-keith-cirkle-of-github-on-react-fatigue) ## 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) - [System change: restart as developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/39-system-change-restart-as-developer) - [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) - [Where to Find German Tech Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/366-where-to-find-german-tech-jobs) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs)