Global Category Manager, Procurement AI Transformation (m/f/d) at Xylem

Lainate, Lombardy, Italy

Xylem Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Water Technology, Procurement, AIIndustries

Requirements

  • Procurement expertise combined with strong AI fluency, understanding how artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms create business value
  • Curious, hands-on with emerging tools
  • Confident engaging both business and technical stakeholders to translate innovation into measurable impact

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the global category strategy for AI vendors (software, services, data)
  • Lead sourcing projects, including market analysis, RFPs, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation
  • Support development and apply tailored procurement framework for AI: covering risk, IP protection, data privacy, and performance management
  • Conduct supplier benchmarking and market intelligence to ensure competitiveness and innovation
  • Establish framework agreements with key partners to enable scalable adoption
  • Maintain a category innovation roadmap aligned with business priorities and emerging AI technologies
  • Monitor total cost of ownership (TCO) and realized value from AI solutions
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with strategic AI vendors and emerging innovators
  • Co-develop, pilot, and scale AI solutions that support business priorities
  • Track supplier KPIs and SLAs to ensure consistent delivery, compliance, and innovation
  • Represent Procurement in supplier performance reviews and steering committees
  • Run structured innovation reviews and capability assessments with suppliers
  • Develop supplier maturity to meet enterprise-grade standards in security and compliance
  • Act as the Procurement lead for AI sourcing initiatives in collaboration with IT, AI CoE, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business stakeholders
  • Collaborate with AI Navigators to operationalize vendor-provided AI solutions within the AI Tool Decision Tree process
  • Align sourcing activities with AI governance, budgets, and business cases
  • Partner with IT BRMs to forecast AI demand and integrate sourcing into project planning
  • Promote AI sourcing best practices and enable knowledge sharing across functions
  • Manage the lifecycle of AI vendor-supported programs, from pilot to global rollout, ensuring delivery on time, budget, and performance KPIs
  • Track procurement KPIs for AI transformation (savings, time-to-contract, innovation contribution)
  • Provide reporting and insights on supplier performance, market trends, and risk
  • Partner with Finance and stakeholders to measure ROI and realized value of AI initiatives
  • Co-develop and implement governance and compliance measures

Skills

Strategic Sourcing
Contract Negotiation
Supplier Management
RFP
Market Analysis
AI Procurement
Vendor Management
Procurement Strategy
Digital Transformation
Data Analytics

Xylem

Water technology solutions for sustainability

About Xylem

Xylem focuses on developing solutions to tackle global water challenges through smart technology. The company provides a range of products and services aimed at ensuring water security and sustainability. Its offerings include advanced water pumps, treatment systems, and analytical instruments, as well as hydrographic software through its HYPACK brand, which is used by clients worldwide for managing water bodies. Xylem serves various clients, including municipalities, industrial companies, and agricultural businesses, helping them manage water resources efficiently and improve water quality. Unlike many competitors, Xylem combines both hardware and software solutions, allowing for a comprehensive approach to water management. The company's goal is to promote sustainability and address environmental concerns while meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly water solutions.

Washington, District of ColumbiaHeadquarters
2011Year Founded
$356.2KTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Data & Analytics, Industrial & Manufacturing, EnergyIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Professional Development – To advance the capabilities of our people, we offer a wide variety of experiences to support our employees’ professional growth and continuous learning.
Total Rewards – We offer comprehensive programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, work-life integration and corporate citizenship.
Watermark – Watermark is our corporate social responsibility program working to provide education and access to safe water to ensure healthy lives, gender equality, and resilient communities. Employees have the opportunity to learn and volunteer on various water-related projects.
Employee Networks – Our Employee Networks provide a professional, supportive network for employees from diverse backgrounds, including Women’s, LGBT+ and Allies, Veteran’s, People of Color and Allies, Hispanic Origin & Latin Affinity, Emerging Leaders, and Working Parents Networks.

Risks

Emerging startups using AI and IoT may threaten Xylem's market share.
Rising raw material costs could impact Xylem's profit margins.
Global semiconductor shortage may delay Xylem's smart system production.

Differentiation

Xylem offers both hardware and software solutions for comprehensive water management.
The company focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly water technology innovations.
Xylem's HYPACK software is a leader in hydrographic and dredging applications.

Upsides

Xylem's acquisition of Idrica enhances its digital water utility market presence.
Growing interest in atmospheric water harvesting opens new market opportunities for Xylem.
Integration with ElectraMet boosts Xylem's industrial sector position in metals recovery.

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