Overall description:

Head of strategic purchasing is responsible for ongoing management of purchasing strategy and activity and for ensuring optimal supplier performance and price for an annual purchasing volume. Develop and implement a strategy to ensure the function is operating in line with the objectives of the business to add value, mitigate supply chain risk and deliver cost savings, reaching the agreed savings targets.

Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships and manage the development of contracts, contractual relationships and contract management to deliver continuous improvement in delivery of goods and services by the supply base. Deliver the appropriate support to the business to ensure corporate and business development objectives are met. Work alongside the senior management team in contributing to overall business objectives.

Specific requirements for the role:

• At least 5 years experience in the automotive industry;

• 5-10 years proven experience of leading a purchasing function, having a track record in strategic purchasing leadership meant to deliver effective purchasing strategies, policies, processes and systems;

• Educated to degree level in a relevant technical, engineering or business field;

• Commercial and financial skills with experience of managing budgets;

• Knowledge and technical understanding of automotive processes, components and supply chain management;

• Proven contract management and supplier experience;

• Excellent relationship skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers;

• Strong and confident negotiator with the ability to negotiate at all levels;

• Experience of operating and influencing at strategic level;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities;

• Organized person, results orientated with ability to plan and deliver on time, according to deadlines;

• Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements;

• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimize worldwide team performance and development;

• Very good English & German skills: ability to communicate fluently in English & German - written and verbally - is essential;

• Computer literate, especially Microsoft type tools.

Objectives of the position

• Management and strategic orientation of strategic purchasing;

• Management / Development of Project Purchasing – key account for sales and customer service for project topics;

• Development, continuous improvement and documentation of processes and systems within purchasing and logistics (standardization);

• Support of the organization (especially the plants) in case of escalation of purchasing and logistical issues.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for Purchasing and Cost Estimating activities across the business;

• Responsible for the design and further development of purchasing processes;

• Create and implement best practice purchasing vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance;

• Ensure that purchasing strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets, which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market to include: Terms and conditions, supplier selection/de-selection, evaluation and rationalization of supply chain solutions including vendor managed inventory, supplier consignments and safety stock;

• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities;

• Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process. Prepare the departmental budget and investment plan;

• Take ownership of the purchasing policy, guidelines and any associated documents;

• Decide on: strategic orientation of purchasing, release of new suppliers, release of commodity decisions;

• Initiate and develop creative and innovative procurement processes;

• Responsible for managing relationships and negotiating with key suppliers at a senior and strategic level;

• Negotiate contract terms with key suppliers to ensure value for money, quality standards and delivery terms with technical and operational input from stakeholders if appropriate (Quality department, maintenance department etc). Develop and improve contract management;

• Craft negotiation strategies and close deals with optimal terms;

• Forecast price and market trends to identify changes of balance in buyer-supplier relationship. Implement market analyses and derivation of potential for suppliers and material groups;

• Seek and partner with reliable vendors and suppliers. Make continuous optimization of the supply chain;

• Develop an overall vendor base which creates and sustains a competitive advantage utilizing global market exploitation, leveraging spends and leveraging technologies;

• Develop, implement and maintain a supplier relationship and evaluation process to measure effective supplier performance and compliance;

• Ensure professional and consistent supplier management is applied across the supply base in line with the purchasing policy;

• Communicate with stakeholders the impact of market change and potential effects on supply. Recommend solutions without compromising quality or service while optimizing cost;

• Contribute to new business initiatives and projects, review and communicate the impact on Purchasing activities;

• Provide leadership to department under control. Coach, mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions;

• Together with the team, forms the interface to the supplier in all escalation topics (price, technology, quality) during the entire life cycle of the products

• Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance;

• Ensure strong communication between team members to facilitate exchange of information and implement change and improvements;

• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff;

• Responsible for developing the appropriate organizational structure, resource plans and culture to support the business objectives and customer deliverables;

• Establish strategy and best practices for staff to ensure achievement of overall business objectives. Work with the Purchasing team to translate strategy into specific annual performance goals and departmental objectives including KPIs, Financial Budget and Control;

• Prepare the annual Purchasing budget and forecasts and all Capital Expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with customer and legal requirements.