Senior Category Manager for Travel (f/m/x)

DB Global Technology is Deutsche Bank’s technology centre in Central and Eastern Europe. Since its set-up in 2013, Bucharest Technology Centre (BEX) has constantly proven its capacity to deliver global technology products and services, playing a dynamic role in the Bank’s technology transformation.

We have a robust, hands-on engineering culture dedicated to continuous learning, knowledge-sharing, technical skill development and networking. We are an essential part of the Bank’s technology platform and develop applications for many important business areas.

Global Procurement is a global function, providing end-to-end strategic sourcing with robust category management and best-in-class Source-to-Pay operations. Together, we oversee all of Deutsche Bank’s third-party spend. We are united by a commitment to uncompromising quality through innovative solutions, the development of talented people and a willingness to challenge ourselves and others.

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Category Manager Travel to join our global procurement team. The ideal candidate will have deep sourcing expertise in managing significant international travel programs, including air, ground transportation, and hotel accommodations. This role is critical in optimizing travel spend and enhancing traveler experience and safety across all regions due to selecting the right products and services.

Responsibilities

The following responsibilities focus on the Procurement Part of Travel and will be performed in close cooperation with the Travel Management Team, that is running the operations and delivery for the entire travel program. It is imperative and key to work hand-in-hand to achieve best results. 

• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
  • Lead sourcing initiatives for global air, hotel, and ground transportation services.
  • Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements with travel suppliers and agencies.
  • Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, cost-effectiveness, and service quality.

• Travel Program Optimization
  • Analyze travel data to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve program efficiency.
  • Collaborate with the Travel Team to align travel solutions with business needs.

• Policy & Compliance
  • Support the development of global travel policies.
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory and industry standards, including duty of care and sustainability goals.

• Technology & Reporting
  • Work with dedicated product management team members on travel management systems (e.g., SAP Concur, Amadeus, etc.) in order to streamline processes and drive technological improvement and innovations.
  • Generate reports and dashboards to track KPIs, supplier performance, and spend patterns.

Skills

• Proven experience (7+ years) in corporate travel procurement, preferably in the financial industry.
• Strong knowledge of international air, hotel, ground transportation and agency markets.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proficiency in travel management platforms and data analytics tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Master degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; relevant certifications (e.g., GBTA, CTP) are advantageous.

Well-being & Benefits

Emotionally and mentally balanced: We support you in dealing with life crises, maintaining stability through illness, and maintaining good mental health.

• Empowering managers who value your ideas and decisions. Show your positive attitude, determination, and open-mindedness.
• A professional, passionate, and fun workplace.
• A modern office with fun and relaxing areas to boost creativity.
• Continuous learning culture with coaching and support from team experts.
• A culture where you can openly speak about mental health.

Physically thriving: We support you managing your physical health by taking appropriate preventive measures and providing a workplace that helps you thrive. For example, Private healthcare and life insurance with premium benefits for you and discounts for your loved ones, healthier ways of working and check-up's.

Socially connected: We strongly believe in collaboration, inclusion and feeling connected to open up new perspectives and strengthen our self-confidence and well-being.

• 24 days holiday, loyalty days, and bank holidays (including weekdays for weekend bank holidays).
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options
• Enjoy retailer discounts, cultural and CSR activities, workshops, and more.

Financially secure: We support you to meet personal financial goals during your active career and for the future.

• Competitive income, performance-based promotions, and a sense of purpose.
• Meal vouchers, bonuses for referrals

Interested in more: discover what our employees value in the Well-being & Benefits hub!

We strive for a culture in which we are empowered to excel together every day. This includes acting responsibly, thinking commercially, taking initiative and working collaboratively.