Category Manager – IT, Software, AI & Digital Platforms (m/f/d)

About the role:

As Strategic Buyer Software, AI & Digital Technologies, you will play a key role in shaping the technology ecosystem behind Quantum Systems’ next-generation autonomous systems. 

You will build and manage strategic partnerships across software, AI, cloud and digital technologies, while influencing make-or-buy decisions and sourcing strategies that support our rapid growth. 

Working closely with Engineering, Product, and IT, you will ensure access to the right technologies, partners, and commercial models required to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative solutions. 

This role combines strategic procurement with emerging technologies, offering a high degree of ownership, short decision paths, and direct impact on product development within one of Europe’s fastest-growing deep-tech companies. 

What is your Day to Day Mission:

• Develop and execute category strategies for software and digital technologies aligned with Quantum Systems’ business objectives, technology roadmap, and growth ambitions. 

• Shape and manage a strategic technology partner ecosystem that accelerates innovation, supports scale-up, and strengthens Quantum Systems’ technology capabilities. 

• Build and evolve a strategic ecosystem for software and digital technologies through driving make-or-buy decisions, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and strategic partnerships that enable innovation, scalability, and business growth. 

• Continuously strengthen the technology ecosystem by identifying innovative partners and solutions while ensuring scalability, resilience, and cost efficiency across the supply base. 

• Contribute as part of a cross-functional team, partnering with Engineering, Product, IT, Cybersecurity, and Legal to provide efficient and cost optimized (license) procurement and advanced value capturing. 

• Manage supplier performance, commercial escalations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to maintain a high-performing, reliable, and constant competitive technology supply base. 

• Ensure procurement activities are conducted in line with company policies, governance standards, and compliance requirements. 

How Success is Measured:

• Achievement of cost efficiency, budget targets and constant (cost and performance) improvement 

• Supplier performance and reliability (time to market, quality, delivery, scalability) 

• Successful implementation of aligned make-or-buy decisions 

• Strength and scalability of the software, AI, cloud, and digital technology ecosystem 

• Reduction of supplier and technology risks (e.g. dependencies, lock-in) and maintained operational flexibility 

• Enabling contribution to speed and success of product development and operations 

What you bring to the team:

• Proven track record in strategic sourcing, procurement, or vendor management of software, digital technologies, engineering software, and technology services. 

• Experience negotiating complex software, cloud, or technology contracts (on-prem, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) 

• 3 - 7 years of experience within the field of SW and IT procurement  

• Degree in IT, SW, Computer Science, Digital Technologies, Business, or a comparable field 

• Strong interest in software, AI, and modern technology stacks 

• Ability to work with technical stakeholders and understand engineering trade-offs 

• Structured, ownership-driven mindset with strong negotiation skills 

• Excellent communication skills in English (German is a plus) 

Why Quantum-Systems:

• We believe in the power of combined efforts: straightforward tech expertise paired with a customer-centric focus.

• We are industry pioneers who are ambitious, bold, and visionary.

• We push limits, think outside-the-box and strive for technological excellence to shape the future of aerial data.

• We promise to be your runway for individual and professional growth.
  

Our benefits:

• Company pension scheme: We support you so that you can already make provisions for later.

• Flexible working hours: With trust-based working hours, you are not only responsible for your working hours, but also for your work-life balance.

• Mobile working: If it gets too turbulent for you in our office, you can get the necessary balance through mobile working.

• Bike-Leasing: We support you in staying environmentally mobile and healthy.

• Corporate Benefits: Your opportunity for attractive offers and discounts from well-known suppliers and brands, e.g. Adidas, Apple, Expedia.

• Employee events: We not only want to grow together, but also celebrate our successes together.

• Lunch-Card: Be powerful with deliciou