Category Buyer, Indirect Purchasing

IMPACT and OPPORTUNITY: Category Buyer - Indirect purchasing will execute the global indirect procurement strategies to optimize costs. This person will be responsible for contributing to the development of the category strategy and capable & competitive supply base to support business growth, create and execute cost savings initiatives to optimize spend in assigned category. The Category Buyer will ensure that the Indirect Purchasing system (Onventis) is maximized through user compliance, system optimization, and overall control of the Indirect PR (Purchase Requisition) and approval processes in the respective site. This position reports directly to the Category Manager North America, Indirect Purchasing.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee, conduct, and actively manage the end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement process in the respective category and site.Cooperation with both corporate and regional stakeholders to standardize corporate-wide product specifications and establish and implement a long-term category strategy.Establishment and execution of category goals, improvement plans, quarterly business reviews and monthly reportingExecution of effective supplier negotiations and event driven cost reduction initiatives.Contribution to and execution of category strategies through alignment with company´s Internal Key Stakeholders (CBUs, Engineering, Operations and SCM, etc.)Management and decision making on supplier relationships including contracts, commercial/ pricing, capacity, supply assurance and conflict resolution for the assigned categoryIdentification, establishment and development of new suppliers, supplier relationship management, supplier portfolio management and supplier performance evaluation Completing risk mitigation plans related to the industry players and event driven market challenges.Manage Capital Expenditure process in Mexico- ensuring competitive market testing, cost analysis and sourcingEstablish and manage annual category budgets and KPI’s – ensure cost savings/cost avoidance targets achieved Provide external focus with category intelligence, industry insights and technology trendsManage the RFQ process, internal approvals and supplier selectionRun the purchase order administrative process and optimize administrative efficiency using the defined IT software capabilitiesGuarantee the compliance of the purchasing process with financial rules in the various phases: competitive bids and supplier selection, purchase order process, as well as with the Code of EthicsConfirm material availability and lead time for the indirect materials and servicesEnsure supplier capacities to avoid supply bottlenecksMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering and/or Economics 5+ years of strategic sourcing, cost analysis, negotiations experience2+ years of experience in multi-cultural environment3+ years of experience in Capital PurchasingExcellent project management and communication skills Strong negotiation skillsPersuasiveness, assertiveness, and target orientationComprehensive know-how of Purchasing methods and toolsFluency in English (spoken and written); able to negotiate (contracts) in English languageStrong MS Office, SAP skills is an advantage, understanding of customer requirements, job specific processes and reporting toolsAbility to transfer technical matters into economic considerationsStrong team player and intercultural competencePREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Master’s degree in business, Engineering and/or Economics, alternatively several years of professional experience in a comparable position 2+ years of professional experience in a comparable purchasing position of a global automotive company.TRAVEL: Up to 10% Regional