Indirect Category Manager

Indirect Category Manager

Location: Amsterdam or Madrid
Segment / Business Unit: MVH Europe
Function: Commercial | Strategic Sourcing
Reports to: Director – Indirect Strategic Sourcing

Languages : Proficiency in English and any other European Languages

About MVH Europe

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing. We believe our purpose — to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS — starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

About the Role

As Indirect Category Manager , you’ll play a key role in driving strategic sourcing excellence across MVH Europe’s indirect spend. This includes critical categories such as People & Organisation (P&O), IT, Marketing, Facilities, and Professional Services .

You’ll develop and implement sourcing strategies that optimise spend, enhance supplier partnerships, and deliver measurable value . Working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, you’ll ensure that our indirect procurement activities deliver the quality, efficiency, and innovation needed to support our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and Execute Category Strategies across indirect spend areas to drive cost efficiency and operational improvement.

• Manage Key Supplier Relationships , ensuring high performance, innovation, and accountability through structured governance and KPI tracking.

• Lead Negotiations and Contracting to secure optimal commercial outcomes while maintaining compliance and quality standards.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally with P&O, IT, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.

• Deliver Financial Value through cost management, savings reporting, and continuous process optimisation.

• Assess and Mitigate Risks across supplier and contract portfolios to ensure business continuity and resilience.

• Use Data and Insights from procurement systems to inform strategic decisions and improve transparency across spend categories.

• Champion Continuous Improvement , driving automation, innovation, and standardisation in sourcing practices.

• Ensure Governance and Compliance with procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

Experience Required

• 5+ years’ experience in Procurement and Strategic Sourcing, ideally across indirect categories in healthcare, veterinary, or similar industries.

• Strong grounding in contract law and hands-on experience managing commercial negotiations.

• Proven ability in supplier relationship management and performance optimisation.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated success delivering cost savings and broader business value through sourcing initiatives.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and e-sourcing platforms .

• Recognised qualification such as CIPS Level 6 (or equivalent) preferred.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skill.

• Ability to influence key internal and external decision makers to achieve project success.

• Cost management mindset.

• Communication skills (written & verbal).

• Can-do attitude.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic and commercial acumen, able to align category strategies to business goals.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across senior levels.

• Collaborative leadership style with a focus on customer-centric outcomes.

• Comfort operating in a matrixed, multinational environment with multiple brands and markets.

• Demonstrated agility and creativity in solving complex procurement challenges.

Key Mars Leadership Competencies

• Influence and Persuasion

• Change Management

• Manages Ambiguity

• Drives Results

• Stakeholder Management

• Commercial Negotiation

• Sourcing Strategy Development & Implementation

• Supplier Relationship Management

Our offer:

Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together.

An industry competitive salary and benefits package

A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development

Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence

Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment

Learning and development opportunities

The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4-legged friends in our offices.

We are always open for a conversation to discuss your individual needs

If this sounds like you:

Please contact Christina Scimeca , Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through the apply button below.

MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Internal Candidates/Associates: If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to understand the internal recruitment