Global Category Buyer - Compounds

Continental; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive sector is looking for a professional with experience in global category purchasing management. The ideal candidate will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and optimize the portfolio strategy while collaborating with stakeholders. This role requires strong negotiation skills and a background in the automotive industry, with perks such as immediate benefits, paid time off, and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

Immediate benefits

Paid time off

Tuition and employee discounts

Annual bonus

Employer 401(k) match

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with global category purchasing management or 4+ years without a Bachelor's degree.
• Experience in the automotive industry.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Identify and onboard new potential suppliers.
• Handle all negotiations at the Category Supplier level.
• Report on Category performance regularly.

Skills

Negotiation

Market Understanding

Risk Management

Portfolio Analysis

Strong MS Office Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Build up and maintain portfolio strategy in line with the BA needs and define a well-balanced portfolio to minimize risk, ensure flexibility, and gain an advantageous position in the supplier market.

Define, deliver, and update a Sourcing List.

Identify and onboard new potential suppliers as needs are identified.

Identify value improvement activities and oversee their implementation.

Present and align strategies with BA stakeholders.

Handle all negotiations at the Category Supplier level.

Negotiate and maintain necessary global contracts.

Support Advanced Purchasing with complex or difficult negotiations.

Manage suppliers on behalf of the BA.

Support Regional Purchasing for quality, supply, and commercial escalation.

Assist plants at the next escalation level in case of supply problems related to quality or delivery.

Share market situation insights with stakeholders.

Report on Category performance regularly.

Forecast expected price development.

Your profile

What you bring to the role:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 2+ years experience with global category purchasing management within the automotive industry, specifically in compounds (rubber, plastics, etc). Alternatively, 4+ years of experience in the same field without a Bachelor's degree.
• Experience with Purchasing Portfolios, Supplier Lists, Market Understanding, Portfolio Analyses, and Forecasting.
• Strong negotiation skills: RFQ, offer analysis, and comparison.
• Understanding of risk management, claims, finance, and legal aspects.
• Strong MS Office skills, especially Excel.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. No sponsorship or relocation is provided.

Additional qualifications that stand out

• Project management experience.
• Functional or project leadership experience.
• Experience with rubber is a plus.

Our offer

Perks include:

• Immediate benefits
• Paid time off
• Tuition and employee discounts
• Annual bonus
• Employer 401(k) match

All information is confidential, in accordance with EEO guidelines.

EEO Statement: Continental is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. For assistance, contact [e-mail] or US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. Please do not call about application status unless requesting accessibility assistance.

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