Global Category Buyer - Compounds

Continental; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Category Purchasing Specialist to develop and manage a balanced supplier portfolio, negotiate contracts, and ensure optimal supplier performance. This role demands a strategic thinker with a strong negotiation background and experience in the automotive sector. You'll work closely with stakeholders to drive value improvements and market insights while maintaining strong supplier relations. Enjoy competitive benefits and opportunities with a global leader in the industry.

Benefits

Immediate benefits

Paid time off

Tuition and employee discounts

Annual bonus

401(k) match

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in global category purchasing within the automotive industry.
• Experience with purchasing portfolios and supplier lists.
• Strong understanding of negotiation processes.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a balanced portfolio strategy.
• Handle negotiations at the Category Supplier level.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers as needs arise.

Skills

Negotiation

Market Analysis

Risk Management

Supplier Management

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 steer their implementation.
• Present and align strategies with BA stakeholders.
• Handle negotiations at the Category Supplier level.
• Negotiate and maintain necessary global contracts.
• Support Advanced Purchasing with complex/difficult negotiations.
• Manage suppliers representing the BA.
• Support Regional Purchasing for quality, supply, and commercial escalations.
• Assist plants at the next escalation level in case of supply issues (quality or delivery).
• Share market situation insights with stakeholders.
• Report category performance regularly.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Build and maintain a balanced portfolio strategy aligned with BA needs to minimize risks and capitalize on market advantages.
• Define, deliver, and update sourcing lists.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers as needed.
• Identify and steer value improvement initiatives.
• Present and align strategies with stakeholders.
• Negotiate at the category supplier level and maintain global contracts.
• Support complex negotiations in advanced purchasing.
• Manage supplier relationships representing the BA.
• Support regional and plant-level escalation processes.
• Share market insights and forecast price developments.

Your Profile

What You Bring to the Role

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in global category purchasing within the automotive industry, specifically in compounds (rubber, plastics, etc.).
• Experience with purchasing portfolios, supplier lists, market analysis, and forecasting.
• Strong negotiation skills: RFQ, offer analysis, and negotiation.
• Understanding of risk management, claims, finance, and legal considerations.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.

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

Additional Qualifications That Stand Out

• Project management experience.
• Leadership experience in functional or project roles.
• Experience in rubber industry.

Our Offer

The Perks

• Immediate benefits
• Paid time off
• Tuition and employee discounts
• Annual bonus
• 401(k) match
And more benefits of working with a global industry leader.

All information is confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO Statement:

Continental is an equal opportunity employer, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance during the application process.

Ready to drive with Continental? Apply online today.