Category Manager - IT (m/w/d)

The future looks like you

With over 1,300 stores in 17 European countries and more than 25,000 employees, C&A is one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers. Every day, C&A welcomes millions of visitors to its stores in Europe and to its online shop. C&A offers quality and long-lasting fashion at affordable prices for
the many. We are building on more than 180 years of experience in the fashion industry and continuously modernizing the company to become an omnichannel fashion retailer. At C&A we are driven by our values and we believe that affordable and high-quality fashion is not contradictory to caring for people & the planet. We are always forward-thinking and acting to develop our business and innovate the industry. This is your chance to join the C&A team as Category Manager IT!

C&A is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformations in European retail. As part of our strategy to modernize technology and operations, we are looking for an experienced IT Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives and shape the future of IT at C&A.

In this role, you’ll work at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and sustainability – managing key supplier relationships, negotiating global contracts, and enabling innovation across software, hardware, cloud services, and IT consulting.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and execute end-to-end sourcing strategies for IT categories (Software, Hardware, SaaS, Cloud, Professional Services).
• Lead complex contract negotiations with key suppliers to ensure optimal value, risk mitigation, and business alignment.
• Collaborate closely with IT, Finance, Legal, and Sustainability teams to understand business needs and co-create procurement solutions.
• Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and licensing models to future-proof C&A’s IT procurement roadmap.
• Drive cost savings, compliance, and ESG goals while improving overall procurement efficiency.
• Promote best practices and contribute to the digital transformation of procurement processes.

What you bring

• University degree in Business, IT, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in strategic IT procurement or 3 years category management experience in a global environment.
• Strong knowledge of IT contract structures, sourcing strategies, and supplier landscapes.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels.
• Experience with e-sourcing tools and procurement platforms (e.g., SAP Ariba).
• Knowledge of sustainability and compliance topics in IT procurement.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• German language skills are a plus but not required.

What we offer

This is an opportunity for you to join us on a truly exciting transformation journey, where you’ll be able to leave footprints that last and contribute significantly to our vision. As well as knowing that you played a key part in the evolution of one of Europe’s most recognizable retail brands, you will also enjoy:

• Countless learning and development opportunities via our C&A academy
• Access to a Partner Discount Scheme
• An employee discount of 20% in C&A stores
• 30 days' vacation
• Corporate pension scheme
• Mental health and wellness program
• An exciting job in an international and inspirational working environment
• A positive working atmosphere and a talented team with an open feedback culture