Monika Skorupa
Schwannstr. 15, Düsseldorf
Summary
Seasoned and results-driven Category Manager with over 15 years of experience in driving global and local category strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and managing multi-million-euro procurement budgets. Expertise in developing and executing sourcing strategies that drive profitability, optimizing supply chains, and fostering long-term relationships with international suppliers. Demonstrated success in leading strategic negotiations, managing high-performing teams, and recognizing market trends to stay ahead of competition. Seeking to leverage my leadership experience and proven track record of success to transition into the next role, where I can make a broader impact on organizational growth and strategic direction.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Category Manager Non Food
METRO Deutschland GmbH
10.2016 - Current
- Responsible for the development and execution of local category management and sourcing strategy across multiple categories: Kitchen, Cooking & Table, Electrical Appliances (both large and small), Washing, Cleaning, Storage and Candles.
- Led a category management portfolio worth EUR 150 million, managing over 32 sub-categories and executing 40+ annual negotiations with European B/C and A-brands.
- Drove strategic supplier management, including top-level meetings, developing negotiation strategies, and leading supplier relationships to optimize cost, quality, and product offerings.
- Spearheaded the leadership of a diverse team of 11 direct reports, including buyers and assistants, fostering collaboration and high performance.
- Collaborated closely with METRO AG and international import offices, ensuring seamless integration of local sourcing strategies with global initiatives.
- Regularly recognized industry trends, attended trade fairs, and explored market opportunities to ensure competitive positioning.
Global Category & Sourcing Manager
METRO AG
10.2013 - 09.2016
- Developed and executed international category management and sourcing strategies for the Cooking & Table segment, resulting in enhanced profitability and turnover across 26 countries.
- Led negotiations with over 40 international vendors across Asia and Europe, managing a EUR 30 million purchasing value, driving sourcing initiatives, and optimizing global supplier networks.
- Conducted top-to-top meetings with suppliers, developed negotiation strategies (including eAuctions), and implemented process improvements that drove significant growth in business volumes.
- Managed a global team of category & sourcing specialists, packaging, quality assurance, supply chain experts, and local buyers (3 direct reports and 36+ indirect reports).
- Drove process optimizations, inventory management improvements, and new business development initiatives to enhance profitability.
- Collaborated with international import offices, closely monitoring trends and competitors to ensure METRO maintained a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Head of Product Management Non-Food
METRO AG
08.2011 - 09.2013
- Led product management for Household & Candles categories, overseeing a portfolio worth EUR 50 million, with over 900 SKUs, and developed private label projects, driving category growth.
- Managed cross-functional teams to harmonize product ranges across 26 countries, ensuring alignment with local customer needs and market trends.
- Successfully negotiated with 40+ vendors globally, executed cost-effective sourcing strategies, and optimized commercial terms to ensure product profitability.
- Led sourcing projects, ensuring critical mass generation, and strengthened vendor relationships to improve long-term supplier performance.
- Conducted trend analysis, attended industry fairs, and maintained close collaboration with Asian import offices to ensure competitive product offerings.
Product Manager Non-Food
METRO AG
01.2011 - 07.2011
- Managed the Household & Candles product categories with a EUR 18 million buying value, optimizing product ranges, price points, and supplier selection to meet customer demands.
- Led negotiations with suppliers, utilizing face-to-face meetings and online auctions to optimize pricing and contract terms.
- Oversaw product development from conceptualization through to shelf placement, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and market trends.
Assistant Product Manager Non-Food
METRO Cash & Carry International
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Coordinated product management activities, including pricing, promotion, and supplier selection, contributing to category growth.
- Conducted supplier negotiations, developed product strategies, and ensured alignment with market trends and customer needs.
Procurement Consultant
METRO Group Solutions
01.2008 - 12.2009
- Provided strategic consulting support for national and international procurement projects, including managing eAuctions and developing negotiation strategies.
- Led the international rollout of eSourcing software, providing training and documentation to enable successful adoption by procurement teams.
- Collaborated with buyers to optimize procurement strategies, delivering results that aligned with business objectives and market needs.
Junior Procurement Consultant
METRO Group Buying International
07.2006 - 12.2007
- Supported procurement teams in national and international sourcing projects, including online negotiations and vendor management.
- Assisted in organizing and conducting international e-procurement meetings, providing operational support for online negotiation activities.
Education
Diploma - Retail Management, Procurement And Sales
Georg-August-University
Göttingen 03-2006
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, managing direct and indirect reports across multiple regions and departments
- Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management: Expertise in international supplier management, leading negotiations, and optimizing product offerings
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled in working with multiple departments (eg buyers, supply chain, packaging, quality assurance, target group managers, marketing) to drive alignment and efficiency
- Negotiation & Process Optimization: Strong background in developing negotiation strategies and streamlining processes to achieve cost efficiencies and improve performance
Certification
Individual Mentoring Programm with METRO AG CEO Olaf Koch
Advanced Buying and Category Management (METRO House of Learning)
Leading a Transformation Process (METRO House of Learning)
Team Leadership Skills (METRO School of Development)
PPI – Positive Power and Influence (METRO School of Development)
Analyzing Complex Business Topics (METRO School of Development)
Conducting a successful negotiation (House of Training, France)
Building & Evolving an attractive assortment (House of Training, France)
START UP - International Development Program of Metro Group
„Young Talent 2007“ – Award
Presentation Skills & Meeting Management (Result Learning and Transfer GmbH & Co. KG)
Intercultural Awareness Training (ICUnet.AG - make success global)
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Polish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Category Manager Non Food
METRO Deutschland GmbH
10.2016 - Current
Global Category & Sourcing Manager
METRO AG
10.2013 - 09.2016
Head of Product Management Non-Food
METRO AG
08.2011 - 09.2013
Product Manager Non-Food
METRO AG
01.2011 - 07.2011
Assistant Product Manager Non-Food
METRO Cash & Carry International
01.2010 - 12.2010
Procurement Consultant
METRO Group Solutions
01.2008 - 12.2009
Junior Procurement Consultant
METRO Group Buying International
07.2006 - 12.2007
Diploma - Retail Management, Procurement And Sales
Georg-August-University
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