Strategic Global Direct Materials Procurement Lead

Walker Lovell Ltd; Graubünden; On-site; CHF 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker Lovell Ltd. is seeking an experienced Global Procurement Category Manager to lead global chemical raw-material categories and supplier negotiations. The role focuses on securing competitive pricing, delivering measurable savings, and ensuring continuity of supply across regions.

You will own sourcing strategies, manage spot-buying, and benchmark pricing while collaborating with teams in Europe, the Americas and Asia. A hands-on, data-driven category manager is desired.

Qualifications

• Substantial procurement experience with ownership of complex direct-material categories in manufacturing.
• Experience purchasing chemical raw materials with supplier negotiations and commercial results.
• Track record of delivering measurable savings under cost pressure.
• Experience of spot buying and negotiating where supplier choice is limited.
• Automotive industry experience is advantageous when combined with chemical materials purchasing.
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to challenge suppliers independently.
• Resilient, structured and analytical with attention to detail.
• Fluent English, with German language skills or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for global chemical raw-material categories.
• Lead challenging commercial negotiations with international suppliers.
• Manage spot-buying activity using market intelligence for timely decisions.
• Deliver measurable cost savings while maintaining quality and supply security.
• Benchmark pricing through RFQs, supplier comparisons and market analysis.
• Identify and develop alternative suppliers to reduce costs and risk.
• Work with colleagues across Europe, the Americas and Asia to support manufacturing requirements.
• Present clear, data-backed recommendations and take accountability for category performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Cost savings

Data-driven

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

German language learning

Job description

Walker Lovell Ltd. is seeking an experienced Global Procurement Category Manager to lead global chemical raw-material categories and supplier negotiations. The role focuses on securing competitive pricing, delivering measurable savings, and ensuring continuity of supply across regions.

You will own sourcing strategies, manage spot-buying, and benchmark pricing while collaborating with teams in Europe, the Americas and Asia. A hands-on, data-driven category manager is desired.