Buyer, Senior (Full-time)

Senior Buyer – Purchasing

Position Summary We are looking for a Senior Buyer with extensive experience in the chemical or automotive manufacturing industry to lead operational procurement initiatives in collaboration with global strategy managers. The ideal candidate excels in tough supplier negotiations, identifying risk mitigation and cost-saving opportunities, and effectively managing the execution of procurement projects. This role requires hands-on experience across direct materials, capital equipment, and services, with the ability to operate effectively in a high-pressure, operationally driven manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Procurement:

• Support evaluation of supplier pricing, delivery performance, and capability.
• Identify and drive cost-saving initiatives across categories, leveraging market insights and supplier data.
• Lead target-driven negotiations with key suppliers to secure optimal terms.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, ensuring quality, reliability, and competitiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance, enforce compliance, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Project Management:

• Act as procurement project lead for multi-sourcing or capital projects and operational initiatives.
• Support new product launches, securing material supply and supplier APQP.
• Identify supply chain risks and improvement opportunities.
• Support production and operations by ensuring uninterrupted supply in a fast-paced environment.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and tools.
• Support inventory optimization and shortage tracking efforts
• Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of procurement experience within the chemical, process or automotive manufacturing industry, covering direct materials, capital equipment, and services.
• Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional procurement projects.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools.
• German language is a plus

Physical Requirements · Primarily office-based with occasional visits to production areas.

• Schedule · Full-time or part-time depending on academic commitments.