Category Manager – 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 close 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. The primary focus of this role is the procurement and commercial management of software, AI, and digital technologies embedded in or enable Quantum Systems' products and customer solutions, rather than internal enterprise IT infrastructure. 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 fast-growing deep-tech companies.

What is your Day to Day Mission:

Own the sourcing strategy for software, AI, and digital technologies that directly support Quantum Systems' products, platforms, and customer-facing capabilities across the entire product lifecycle.

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

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, partnershiping 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 activities procurement are managed 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 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: 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 shape to 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 commissions for later.

Flexible working hours: With trust-based working hours, you are not only responsible for your working hours, but so 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 so celebrate our successes together.

Lunch-Card: Be powerful with delicious energy, daily lunch budget is sponsored.

Company Shuttle: Enjoy our convenient shuttle service that picks you up from Pasing in Munich and brings you to our location, with return trips at the end of the workday.

About us: Quantum Systems develops advanced autonomous systems for defense and security operations across multiple domains, powered by integrated software and AI. Quantum Systems is at the forefront of AI-powered aerial, ground, naval robotics, developing a family of smart systems that go far beyond traditional drones. Built on a foundation of in-house hardware, software and AI, our systems transform data into critical insights, empowering decision-making across security, defense and public safety, as well as for the commercial, industrial and GIS sectors. Our integrated system with industry leading endurance, enable seamless interoperability and software interconnectivity. On-board AI powers multi-modality sensing, autonomous navigation, anti-jamming, swarm and more. Our commitment: We are an open-minded company that not only values diversity, but advertises it. Regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability, we believe that the diversity of our is an essential part of our success. At our company, every voice is heard and every perspective is valued. We believe that our differences enrich us and help us to find creative solutions and generate innovative ideas. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment where all employees can reach their full potential.

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