Procurement Manager

Walker Lovell Ltd; Sankt Gallen; On-site; CHF 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker Lovell Ltd. is recruiting a Global Category Manager to join the global procurement team. The role focuses on direct materials, cost reduction, supply security and sourcing strategy, with ownership of global categories and supplier performance.

You will lead negotiations, develop alternative suppliers and drive measurable savings in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Site-based location in the Landquart area with global scope.

Qualifications

• 15+ years procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Direct materials/category management experience.
• Proven track record leading supplier negotiations.
• Experience delivering savings in challenging markets.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Experience with limited supplier markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex supplier negotiations with global suppliers.
• Deliver ambitious and measurable cost savings.
• Manage suppliers in monopoly/oligopoly markets.
• Benchmark pricing through RFQs and market analysis.
• Identify and develop lower-cost suppliers.
• Protect supply continuity and mitigate category risk.
• Drive supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Direct materials procurement

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Cost reduction

Job description

Global Category Manager - Direct Materials

Location: Site-based role in the wider Landquart area

We are recruiting an experienced Global Category Manager to join the global procurement team of a leading international manufacturing business.

This is a commercially demanding role for someone who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments, enjoys challenging supplier negotiations and knows how to deliver savings even when supplier choice is limited.

You will take ownership of global direct material categories, with responsibility for cost reduction, supply security, sourcing strategy and supplier performance. The underlying position has a strong focus on securing competitive market pricing, developing alternative suppliers and reducing raw material supply risk.

What you'll be doing

• Lead complex commercial negotiations with global suppliers
• Deliver ambitious and measurable cost savings
• Manage suppliers within monopoly and oligopoly markets
• Benchmark pricing through RFQs and market analysis
• Identify and develop alternative and lower-cost suppliers
• Protect continuity of supply and mitigate category risk
• Drive supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery

What we're looking for

• 15+ years' procurement experience, ideally within automotive, chemicals or another demanding manufacturing environment
• Strong direct materials, category or commodity management experience
• A proven track record of personally leading difficult supplier negotiations
• Experience delivering measurable savings in challenging market conditions
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
• Experience working with limited supplier markets
• A resilient, hands-on approach and ability to perform under pressure