Strategic Purchaser (f/m/d), Procurement Direct Material

Berner; Köln; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job bike leasing

Commuting allowance

Wellpass membership

Company pension scheme

Training opportunities

Modern workplace

Meal vouchers in Cologne

Job summary

Berner is seeking a Strategic Purchaser (f/m/d) in Germany to shape global sourcing strategies and build sustainable supplier partnerships. You will lead negotiations, manage contracts, and drive cross-functional sourcing projects across Engineering, Quality and Operations.

The role requires a degree in a relevant field, several years in strategic purchasing, and fluency in German and English. International travel up to 20% is expected, with a modern workplace and opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in business, engineering or supply chain.
• Several years of experience in strategic purchasing, procurement or supply chain.
• Strong understanding of sourcing markets, supplier management and procurement processes.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking; data-driven decision making.
• Structured, self-driven and result-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement international sourcing strategies for direct material product groups.
• Analyze product categories, supply markets, and cost structures to identify opportunities.
• Conduct market research and manage supplier and market-related risks.
• Identify, qualify, evaluate and develop suppliers for a high-performing, sustainable base.
• Lead price, contract and commercial negotiations and establish long-term framework agreements.
• Manage supplier contracts lifecycle and ensure compliance with terms and targets.
• Drive cross-functional sourcing projects with Engineering, Quality, Operations and Supply Chain teams.
• Identify, develop and implement cost-saving initiatives using a Total Cost of Ownership approach.
• Review and approve invoices within your area of responsibility.
• Leverage e-Procurement and other digital tools to improve processes and efficiency.

Skills

Negotiations

Supplier management

Strategic sourcing

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Change management

Education

Degree in Business Administration

Engineering

Supply Chain Management

Commercial/technical vocational background

Tools

ERP systems

e-Procurement

MS Office

Data analytics tools

Job description

BERNER pushing the limits - for those who dare more

Making a choice about your career and your employer is a choice about your future - a future where you will invest your passion and a large portion of your time, energy, and capacity.

You don't just buy products. You build supplier networks, drive business performance, and create competitive advantage.

If you are passionate about strategic sourcing, thrive in an international environment, and enjoy turning market insights into business results, we would love to meet you.

As a Strategic Purchaser (f/m/d) , you will play a key role in shaping our global sourcing strategy, developing supplier partnerships, and delivering sustainable value to the business.

YOUR TASKS

• Develop and implement international sourcing strategies for assigned direct material product groups in alignment with corporate and functional objectives.
• Analyze product categories, supply markets, and cost structures to identify opportunities and define strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Conduct market research and actively manage supplier and market-related risks.
• Identify, qualify, evaluate, and develop suppliers to build a high-performing and sustainable supply base.
• Lead price, contract, and commercial negotiations and establish long-term framework agreements.
• Manage supplier contracts throughout their lifecycle and ensure compliance with agreed terms and performance targets.
• Drive cross-functional sourcing projects and collaborate closely with stakeholders across Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and other business functions.
• Identify, develop, and implement cost-saving initiatives using a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach.
• Review and approve invoices within your area of responsibility.
• Leverage modern procurement and digital sourcing tools, including e-Procurement solutions, to continuously improve processes and efficiency.

YOUR PROFILE

• Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a comparable qualification. Alternatively, a commercial or technical vocational background combined with further professional qualifications.
• Several years of experience in Strategic Purchasing, Procurement, or Supply Chain within an industrial or trading environment.
• Strong understanding of sourcing markets, supplier management, and procurement processes.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills with the ability to transform data into actionable business decisions.
• Structured, self-driven, and result-oriented way of working.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Confidence to challenge the status quo and drive change across functions.
• Strong team spirit combined with a hands-on mentality.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and experience with ERP and e-Procurement systems.
• Fluent German and English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 20%)

WHY BERNER?

• Job bike leasing (JobRad)
• Commuting allowance
• Wellpass membership & corporate benefits
• Company pension scheme
• Opportunities for further training
• Technically modern equipped workplace
• Company restaurant in Künzelsau or meal vouchers in Cologne
• Attractive conditions for our products in the BERNER online shop

The BERNER Group is a European trading company serving professionals in the mobility, construction, and industrial sectors. We are the leading B2B specialist and an innovative manufacturer of chemical products. Our purpose is: "We are pushing the limits of the possible for the shapers of a better tomorrow."

With our strong brands - BERNER, BTI by BERNER, and CCS - we empower our customers to keep their businesses running successfully.

Join our team and shape the future with us!

The BERNER Group as employer, dare to differentiate ourselves and provide every employee the opportunity to and enable them to dare to be more. Together, we push our own limits and contribute to shape a better tomorrow.