Senior Category Manager Professional Services

Company Description

We're the world's leading sports technology company, at the intersection between sports, media, and betting. More than 1,700 sports federations, media outlets, betting operators, and consumer platforms across 120 countries rely on our know-how and technology to boost their business.

Job Description

OVERVIEW

We're the world's leading sports technology company, at the intersection between sports, media, and betting. More than 1,700 sports federations, media outlets, betting operators, and consumer platforms across 120 countries rely on our know-how and technology to boost their business.

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Senior Category Manager Professional Services reporting to our Director Strategic Sourcing to lead and mature our sourcing & procurement function. Based in our Vienna or London office with hybrid working arrangements, this role offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction for Professional Services (Outsourcing, Implementation Projects, Consulting, Staff Augmentation, Managed Services, Memberships, Support-Contracts, etc.). You will act as a trusted advisor to senior executives.

Central to the position will be the (Sub-) Category Strategy, as well as leading complex, high-stakes negotiations with global providers. The Senior Category Manager Professional Services will build strong, value-driven supplier relationships, ensuring exceptional service delivery, robust contractual performance, and long-term commercial advantages. Therefore, deep understanding of the Professional Service Industry (Managed Service Provider, Vendor Management Systems, Outsourcing, etc) and category trends are required.

THE CHALLENGE

• Analyze spend, data, market trends, and internal needs to identify opportunities.
• Create and manage category strategies that create business-aligned value in collaboration with Business stakeholders.
• Plan & oversee all sourcing activities within the category.
• Lead sourcing projects from planning to contract negotiation.
• Partner with stakeholders to drive efficiencies and reduce risks and costs.
• Define and achieve KPIs (e.g., savings, risk mitigation) for assigned categories.
• Provide the strategic framework and insights for sourcing decisions.
• Support the Contract Owners and Vendor Managers in the Business Units during Supplier Relationship Management (e.g., QBRs) and tiering of suppliers.
• Drive innovation through strategic supplier partnerships.
• Ensure accurate savings and spend reporting.
• Support the implementation of global sourcing processes, including the rollout of a new sourcing application.

ABOUT YOU

• You've got a bachelor's or master's in a relevant area (Business, Procurement, Finance, Supply Chain, IT, Law — or something close enough that fits the job).
• You know the market and vendor landscape — you understand who's who, what's changing, and where the leverage is.
• You bring 8+ years in procurement/sourcing (or similar) and you've already delivered results that look like what we need here.
• You communicate with ease — from operational teams to senior leaders — and you can influence stakeholders without burning bridges.
• You're not afraid to push back constructively and challenge "how we've always done it," while staying focused on continuous improvement and change.
• You can build a strong business case, create sharp presentations, and write clear, stakeholder-friendly updates that move decisions forward.
• You're digitally confident and data-literate — quick to pick up new tools and comfortable using data to guide procurement decisions.
• Bonus points if you've worked with Microsoft Dynamics F&O, Ironclad CLM, or ServiceNow.
• You're solid with MS Office, communicate fluently in English, and German is a nice extra.
• You're a self-starter — proactive, organized, and motivated without needing someone to chase you.
• You're open to international travel when needed.

OUR OFFER

• A collaborative environment with colleagues from all over the world (Engineering offices in Europe, Asia and US) including various social events and teambuilding.
• Flexibility to manage your workday and tasks with autonomy.
• A balance of structure and autonomy to tackle your daily tasks.
• Vibrant and inclusive community which welcomes all participants.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme.
• Calm and Reulay app (leading well-being apps designed to support focus, quality rest, mindfulness, and long-term mental resilience).
• Online training videos.

While we appreciate the flexibility and benefits of working from home, we strongly believe that coming together in person fosters stronger connections, encourages collaboration, and drives innovation - both as individuals and as a company. The energy, shared ideas, and team support we experience in the office strengthen the foundation of our success and culture. For this reason, we are an office-first business operating on a hybrid model, with team members working in the office three days a week to build relationships, exchange ideas, and grow together.

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

• Initial Screening: A quick chat with our Talent Acquisition Partner to understand your background and expectations.
• Video Interview: Meet with the Hiring Manager to dive into your solution, as also discuss team fit.
• Onsite Interview: Meet with the local team and take a tour of our office.
• Final Steps: Receive feedback and, if successful, an offer

At Sportradar, we celebrate our diverse group of hardworking employees. Sportradar is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We encourage you to apply even if you only meet most of the requirements (but not 100% of the listed criteria) - we believe skills evolve over time. If you're willing to learn and grow with us, we invite you to join our team

Additional Information

The minimum monthly salary for this position is according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Overpayment will be considered depending on qualifications and working experience.

At Sportradar, we celebrate our diverse group of hardworking employees. Sportradar is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We encourage you to apply even if you only meet most of the requirements (but not 100% of the listed criteria) – we believe skills evolve over time. If you're willing to learn and grow with us, we invite you to join our team