We are currently seeking a Lead Buyer to join the team of a company operating in the automotive supplier industry, for which we provide recruitment consultancy services.

The Lead Buyer will be responsible for managing direct and indirect purchasing processes end-to-end in line with production operations, while ensuring competitive cost, quality, and delivery targets. The role will also play a key part in supplier performance management and the continuous improvement of purchasing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a relevant university department, preferably in Engineering or a related field
• Preferably experience in purchasing within the automotive or manufacturing industry
• Proven experience in both direct and indirect purchasing processes
• Strong knowledge of production materials and industrial supply processes
• Strong skills in supplier management, price negotiations, and commercial negotiations
• Experience in cost analysis and cost improvement initiatives
• Hands-on experience with SAP
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work effectively in global and multicultural organizations
• Good command of English
• Strong communication and coordination skills with a results-oriented approach

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the company’s direct and indirect purchasing processes end-to-end and ensure the implementation of purchasing strategies
• Manage existing supplier relationships and conduct new supplier research, sourcing, and evaluation processes
• Conduct supplier negotiations and commercial discussions regarding price, cost, quality, and delivery conditions
• Monitor supplier performance and lead cost optimization and process improvement initiatives
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Logistics, and other relevant functions to ensure purchasing requirements are fulfilled on time
• Effectively manage purchasing processes through SAP and ensure the accuracy of relevant purchasing data
• Prepare purchasing performance analyses and reports and provide regular reporting to the global purchasing organization
• Contribute to ensuring that the company’s purchasing processes are carried out in compliance with global procedures, policies, and standards