Purchasing- Senior Buyer

Position Summary

We are looking for a Senior Buyer with extensive experience in the chemical or automotive manufacturing industry to lead operational procurement initiatives in collaboration with global strategy managers. The ideal candidate excels in tough supplier negotiations, identifying risk mitigation and cost-saving opportunities, and effectively managing the execution of procurement projects. This role requires hands-on experience across direct materials, capital equipment, and services, with the ability to operate effectively in a high-pressure, operationally driven manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement:

• Conduct detailed market research, identifying, screening and onboarding alternative suppliers to mitigate single or sole sources and to enhance our preferred supplier portfolio.
• Support evaluation of supplier pricing, delivery performance, and capability.
• Develop and implement sourcing plans to maximize value and reduce costs.
• Identify and drive cost-saving initiatives across categories, leveraging market insights and supplier data.
•  Follow and ensure the management principles of the EMS Group are applied.
•  Apply 7 thinking steps for problem solving and when implementing task assignments and requests.

Negotiation & Supplier Management:

• Lead target-driven negotiations with key suppliers to secure optimal terms.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, ensuring quality, reliability, and competitiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance, enforce compliance, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Project Management:

• Act as procurement project lead for multi-sourcing or capital projects and operational initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, securing timelines, and deliverables.
• Support new product launches, securing material supply and supplier APQP.
• Special tasks as assigned by management.

Operational Excellence:

• Identify supply chain risks and improvement opportunities.
• Support production and operations by ensuring uninterrupted supply in a fast-paced environment.
• Handle multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and tools.
• Support inventory optimization and shortage tracking efforts
• Interface with finance to ensure pricing and invoicing accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of procurement experience within the chemical, process or automotive manufacturing industry, covering direct materials, capital equipment, and services.
• Proven track record in complex negotiations, achieving above industry cost reductions, and supplier management.
• Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional procurement projects.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive under high operational pressure and fast-changing environments.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools.
• CIPS, CIPP or CPSM accreditations preferred.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Skilled negotiator and relationship builder
• Resilient, adaptable, and decisive in high-pressure situations
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• German language is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with occasional visits to production areas.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.

Schedule

• Full-time or part-time depending on academic commitments.
• Standard business hours; some flexibility available.