Global Lead Buyer & Regional Coordinator - Raw Materials Purchasing

Company DescriptionTHE COMPANYContinental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of 19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets.Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.Job DescriptionHOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACTSG11Key Responsibilities1. Commodity & Strategy ManagementDevelop and implement commodity strategies aligned with Corporate PurchasingLead global and regional negotiations, RFQs, contract awards, and implementationSecure short- and long-term supply at competitive total cost, quality, and innovation standardsConduct market and cost modeling analysis to support sourcing decisions and identify cost reduction and value creation initiatives2. Supply Assurance & Raw Material CoordinationEnsure uninterrupted supply of raw materials for planned production across assigned global and regional portfoliosSupport forecasting, budgeting, material planning, and inventory optimization to meet inventory targets and KPIsMonitor supply chain for efficiency opportunities and partner with Logistics, R&D, Finance, and Manufacturing3. Supplier Relationship Management & DevelopmentManage assigned global and regional supplier relationships, including performance reviews and executive engagementSource, evaluate, onboard, and develop new suppliers within assigned material clusterDrive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) including segmentation and rationalizationLead quality issue resolution and escalation management in alignment with stakeholdersMonitor and ensure communication of forecasts to suppliers4. Market Intelligence & Risk ManagementMonitor macroeconomic and commodity market developments (feedstock trends, FX rates, inflation, regulatory changes, industry demand, regulations, market trends etc)Identify sourcing risks and opportunitiesExchange regularly with Regional Management and Corporate PurchasingSupport sustainability, compliance, and corporate initiatives (eg conflict minerals, environmental programs)5. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional LeadershipServe as regional ambassador for Corporate Purchasing strategy and support plant purchasing teams on sourcing strategiesPartner with R&D, Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, Quality, Legal, and ISCM (Inbound Supply Chain Management) to drive value and operational excellenceCoordinate activities within the regional raw material cluster and represent Procurement in management forums6. Reporting & Systems GovernanceMaintain material and supplier databases as needed for price tracking, and procurement systems (SAP, sourcing tools, savings trackers)Report savings, action plans, performance metrics, and provide input on raw material costs for P&L rollup and budgetingEnsure compliance with all company and Corporate Purchasing policies7. Additional ResponsibilitiesParticipate in audits and assessments to ensure quality supply standardsTravel approximately 20- 30% (international included)Execute projects as assignedQualificationsWHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE:Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management or related field5+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management)Strong analytical and cost optimization skills with proficiency in data analysisAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPointExcellent negotiation and contract management capabilitiesStrong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple prioritiesExcellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence stakeholdersExperience with multinational organizations and matrix organizationsLegal Authorization to work in the US is required. Continental is not able to offer sponsorship now or in the future for this opportunityContinental is able to pay relocation expenses for this opportunity.ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT7+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management)3+ years of experience in global sourcing or multi-regional procurement coordinationDemonstrated leadership experience managing procurement teams or cross-functional projectsFamiliarity with sustainability and environmental compliance standards in procurementExperience in manufacturing or raw materials / commodity procurementAdditional InformationTHE PERKSImmediate Benefits Robust Total Rewards PackagePaid Time OffVolunteer Time OffTuition AssistanceEmployee Discounts, including tire discountsCompetitive Bonus ProgramsEmployes 401k MatchDiverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.Hybrid Work Employee Assistance ProgramFuture Growth Opportunities, including personal and professionalAnd many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!EEO-Statement: EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to View email address on click.appcast.io or contact US Recruiting at View phone number on click.appcast.io. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.SummaryType: Full-timeFunction: PurchasingExperience level: Mid-Senior LevelIndustry: Automotive