To lead a team of strategic buyers in serial automotive business, owning all Procurement Categories related to Chassis as well as Electrics & Electronics (EE) end-to-end. Development of the procurement strategy of all related categories, using your experience to finally ensure the right parts are in the right place at the right time, allowing purchasing to achieve the best possible commercial terms and conditions in line with the business group strategy, and to own the supplier relationship for the suppliers related to those categories.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Coordinate all procurement activities related to the complete scope of Chassis and EE categories.
- Supervise the identification and sourcing of the components and systems with the best technical and commercial fit to the vehicle and operations requirements.
- Supervise the preparation, co-ordination and execution of sourcing decisions for all related categories of the area - all sourcing decisions are cross functional aligned between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain and procurement.
- Negotiate with large, key and complex suppliers to secure best balanced commercial terms considering technical feasibility, volume demands, quality and manufacturing requirements. Supervise all the negotiation activities of the Chassis and EE team.
- Fulfil all relevant project targets regarding material and tooling cost as well as timeline, and continuously looking for cost reduction
- Constant observation of the global supply market regarding changes that affects our business.
- Develop and align in a cross-functional manner category strategies considering global supply market developments as well as internal requirements.
- Identify, evaluate and countermeasure risks associated with the supply chain of the selected category. Establish and run a risk management system covering project phase as well as serial production, using the inputs from Procurement Leads and Specialists
- Manage and co-ordinate raw material fluctuations with the suppliers and commodities across the whole category.
- Establish and secure reliable supply chains during serial production.
- Drive and deliver all procurement activities of the project phase e.g. through close cooperation with the cost engineers.
- Work closely with Engineering, Sales and Manufacturing to agree future demand plans, materials, supplier capacities and equipment.
- Lead, support and develop the relevant procurement team through coaching, fostering strong communication and transparent guidance.
Requirements
- Ideally 10+ years of experience gained at either a Tier 1 automotive supplier or automotive OEM
- Able to demonstrate direct knowledge of automotive procurement from concept through industrialisation to serial business
- Intimate automotive procurement know-how gained over a multi-year career in automobile manufacturing is preferred
- Excellent project management skills, with a track record of delivery
- Experiences in leading a team and being able to build effective working relationships internally and externally is desirable
- Demonstrable strategic procurement experience in both project as well as serial phase
- Demonstrable ability to prioritise tasks and have effective time management and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- There will be significant travel involved in the role.
- English language mandatory
- German language beneficial
- Degree in Business/Economics/Engineering desirable, but not essential
- Professional qualification (CIPS or equivalent) desirable, but not essential
Benefits
- Responsible tasks
- Attractive compensation
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Flexible working hours
- Company pension scheme
- Corporate benefits
- Excellent transportation links by car or train, plus a company subsidy for public transportation passes or parking option
- We believe in the benefits of working together on-site, as it promotes collaboration, efficiency, team spirit and problem solving at their very best; mobile working is possible depending on business needs.
Contact: Benedikt Schmidt, Head of Direct Procurement
We welcome all applications, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, ethnic background, or sexual identity.
If your application is successful one of our team members will be in touch to arrange an initial conversation!
