Job Description
We are looking for a Tactical Category Manager to manage regional strategic sourcing for defined material and service categories. The role acts as the interface between the global cluster, operation centers, internal customers, and suppliers. Its purpose is to implement the integrated category strategy, create transparency in sourcing decisions, secure competitive supply, and support sustainable cost reduction
The role focuses on regional sourcing for automotive material and service categories in Auxiliars and supplies - Energy, gases and material and Standard parts
Responsibilities
Category strategy

• Define and maintain portfolio strategy in line with OESL needs and define a well-balanced portfolio to minimize risk, to ensure flexibility, to get an advantage position on the supplier market. Identify and run complex tenders with internal clients and specialist departments.
• Analyze offers, prepare offer comparisons, conduct cost and price analysis, and lead negotiations.
• Document sourcing decisions in a comparison matrix to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Manage frame contracts and increase cost-optimized framework agreements in legal, logistical, commercial, and technical terms.
• Support savings targets, maintain the sourcing list, close supplier gaps with Strategic Sourcing, and set alternative sources of procurement.
  

Category management

• Co-develop regional category strategies with operational purchasing buyers, including sustainability aspects.
• Improve market transparency at national and international level to support long-term, cost-effective supply for the region.
  

Supplier management

• Build and maintain sustainable supplier relationships and conduct supplier meetings to deploy the category strategy.
• Steer annual supplier evaluation and define development programs where needed.
• Run annual and regular negotiations to improve the cost situation and Total Cost of Ownership.
  

Project management

• Lead or contribute to category-related projects, purchasing projects, and cross-functional initiatives.
  

Qualifications

• Academic degree in business administration, engineering, or comparable qualifications.
• English and German, spoken and written. Regional language proficiency is an advantage.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in Purchasing, preferably in the respective material group and in the automotive supplier industry.
• Experience with purchasing processes, MS Office, SAP R/3 and presentation techniques.
• Strong negotiation, persuasion, communication, analytical, teamwork, and result-orientation skills.
• Able to work under pressure and drive execution

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