Global Category Manager - Automation Solutions

Make an Impact Where It Matters

At Maersk, we are building a global warehousing network to support our integrator strategy, with automation as a key enabler of productivity, consistency, and cost performance.

We are looking for a Global Category Manager – Automation Solutions to join the Asset Strategy & Strategic Partnerships (ASSP) team, responsible for sourcing across 450+ sites and a $100m+ CAPEX portfolio.

The Opportunity

This is a strategic and hands-on role where you will define the global category strategy while leading complex sourcing and supplier management activities.

You will work across procurement, engineering, and operations to ensure automation investments are commercially robust and consistently executed.

What You Will Do

Category Strategy

• Own and evolve a data-driven global category strategy for warehouse automation
• Track industry, technology, and supplier trends to inform direction
• Translate strategy into clear sourcing priorities, standards, and frameworks

Sourcing & Commercial Leadership

• Lead complex, high-value RFQs, negotiations, and contracting
• Define a scalable sourcing model balancing central and local execution
• Apply TCO-based decision models (CAPEX, OPEX, financing)
• Act as escalation point for complex sourcing decisions

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Own supplier performance and governance across the automation portfolio
• Define KPIs, performance frameworks, and SRM cadence
• Manage escalations and drive continuous improvement

Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Establish clear governance and decision-making structures
• Drive alignment across procurement, engineering, and operations
• Ensure disciplined execution and challenge stakeholders when needed

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in category management or strategic procurement, with a strong track record of leading complex, high-value sourcing and contracting

• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to structure deals, negotiate effectively, and apply TCO-based decision frameworks (CAPEX, OPEX, financing)

• Deep understanding of warehouse automation technologies (e.g. ASRS, AMRs/AGVs, conveyors, sorters, robotics)

• Experience managing supplier performance at scale, including defining KPIs, governance models, and building strong SRM frameworks

• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset, with the ability to translate insights into strategy, priorities, and execution frameworks

• Proven ability to operate in high-ambiguity, complex global environments, balancing strategic ownership with hands-on delivery

• Strong problem-solving capability and confidence to make decisions and drive outcomes

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and alignment across procurement, engineering, and operations, including senior stakeholders

• Experience establishing governance models, decision frameworks, and scalable ways of working across global teams

• Strong interest and capability in leveraging data and AI tools to enhance category management practices

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field

• Self-driven, structured, and outcome-oriented, with the ability to operate at pace and manage multiple priorities independently