Global Category Manager - Events & Sponsorships

Global Category Manager For Events & Sponsorships

At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging

but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.
As the Global Category Manager for Events & Sponsorships within Global Marketing Procurement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping one of the company's most visible and strategically important Marketing spend areas. Operating with a truly global remit, you will lead high-complexity, cross-regional strategic initiatives and define the long-term vendor and sourcing strategy for your category. You will own and drive the global Events & Sponsorships category strategy - establishing the vendor landscape, building global sourcing frameworks, and implementing robust governance structures that ensure consistency, transparency, and sustainable value delivery. Your leadership will be instrumental in elevating Procurement's strategic contribution to the business, ensuring both control and agility in how the category is managed.
In close partnership with senior Marketing stakeholders, you will position Procurement as a trusted strategic advisor. You will help transform how Events and Sponsorships are planned, sourced, and executed across the organizationbringing forward more integrated, data-driven, and scalable ways of working. As a global connector, you will provide functional leadership to regional procurement teams, ensuring alignment with global priorities while supporting regional needs. You will also champion the use of data, digital tools, and AI-enabled capabilities to modernize the category, increase visibility, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and long-term value creation.
Strategic Leadership, Collaboration & Value Delivery
Define and execute the global Events & Sponsorships category strategy in close collaboration with senior stakeholders, aligned with overall business objectives
Provide functional leadership to regional teams, fostering strong collaboration, capability development, and best-practice sharing
Identify, deliver, and track sustainable financial value and long-term impact
Act as a strategic advisor to senior stakeholders, shaping decision-making through procurement expertise
Category Management & Procurement Excellence
Lead complex global sourcing initiatives, including high-value eRFX processes and commercial negotiations
Establish and oversee robust governance structures to drive alignment, transparency, and consistent, sustainable outcomes
Harmonize Source-to-Pay, contracting, and vendor management processes across regions
Digital Enablement & Insight-Driven Performance
Leverage data, analytics, and digital tools - including AI - to enhance visibility, performance management, and decision-making
Drive the implementation and adoption of digital and event-management solutions to increase operational efficiency, transparency, and scalability
Vendor Strategy, Innovation & Responsible Sourcing
Build and manage strategic partnerships with key vendors, leveraging SRM practices to drive innovation and long-term value
Oversee vendor performance across value, quality, and ESG dimensions
Ensure compliance with procurement policies and Source-to-Pay standards
Sustainability (ESG) & Real-World Impact
Define and implement category ESG strategies, translating corporate targets into actionable procurement measures
Identify and drive Real World Measures (e.g., CO? reduction, sustainable event formats, supplier transparency)
Own ESG performance, including baseline definition and tracking with Controlling, Sustainability, and Audit
Lead supplier ESG programs (engagement, capability building, performance improvement)
Embed sustainability criteria into sourcing and supplier decisions to deliver measurable impact
Required experience & qualifications
Experience & Expertise
10+ years of strategic procurement experience, including the design and execution of complex sourcing strategies and high-value, multi-market negotiations
Strong background in Marketing Procurement with expertise in Events & Sponsorships
Proven track record in developing and implementing global category strategies within complex, multinational environments
Demonstrated experience leading cross-regional and cross-functional collaboration, aligning diverse business priorities, and driving unified outcomes
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Strong leadership presence with excellent communication, advisory, and influencing skills
Ability to effectively engage, challenge, and align senior stakeholders across functions and geographies
Experience building and operationalizing governance structures and operating models that ensure accountability, transparency, and sustainable results
Digital, Analytical & Transformation Capabilities
Strong proficiency in leveraging data, analytics, and digital tools to generate actionable insights and performance improvements
Experience implementing strategic meetings management solutions and relevant technology platforms in cross-functional setups
Exposure to AI-enabled procurement, automation, and digital transformation initiatives
Qualifications
University degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Communications or a related field
Professional procurement certification (or equivalent practical experience)
Fluency in English, both written and spoken; additional languages are a plus
Skills that support success
Advanced stakeholder collaboration and clear communication skills
Structured, analytical approach to problem solving
Deep understanding of supply markets and value-drivers within Events & Sponsorships
Experience working within an event agency, experiential marketing agency, or sponsorship agency is a strong plus
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international environments
Ability to apply and optimize AI technologies, i.e. generative AI and AI-driven decision making
Learning agility and comfort navigating change
Structured decision-making in complex, global environments
At SAP, we appreciate:
A balanced work environment that supports both career growth and personal well-being
Diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive
A collaborative spirit that drives innovation and continuous improvement
Join our team and contribute to our exciting journey towards becoming a truly agile and strategic procurement organization. We welcome all candidates who bring a unique perspective and a drive to excel.