Strategic & Project Buyer

Purpose of the Job

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, Strategic & Project Buyer drives project and strategic procurement by integrating sourcing strategy into development and serial production by ensuring cost optimal, compliant and reliable supplier solutions from concept to serial launch. Act as key interface between R&D, Quality, suppliers to secure supplier, manage supplier performance and support long term business objectives

Key Responsibilities:

Project Procurement & Industrialisation

• Represent Purchasing in development projects (MS0–MS4), ensuring procurement readiness for series launch.
• Integrate commodity and sourcing strategies into projects, aligning technical, commercial, and supply requirements.
• Manage procurement of materials and components during projects, guaranteeing availability, cost targets, and timing for industrialisation.
• Clarify producibility of new parts in collaboration with suppliers, Engineering, and Development., SQE
• Request supplier quotations, lead commercial negotiations, and create contracts for project-related sourcing.
• Liaise closely with Engineering and Program Management to ensure procurement alignment and timely decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and valid procurement and project data across systems
• Maintain project documentation and provide structured project handover packages including master data to Operational Purchasing.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives supporting project execution and procurement efficiency.
• Support SQE activities related to supplier and process audits, supplier qualification, and part qualification.
• Conduct supplier visits jointly with Buyers & SQE to assess capability, performance, and development potential.

Contracts, Cost & Performance Management

• Negotiate, finalise, and release supplier agreements, including supply contracts, Terms & Conditions, NDAs, and Codes of Conduct.
• Initiate, drive, and track continuous improvement and cost-reduction programs based on KPIs and TCO analysis.
• Perform regular benchmarking activities against supply markets and competitors.
• Develop, manage, and track procurement budget performance.
• Define, monitor, and achieve KPIs aligned with company and group objectives.

Supplier Management & Development

• Conduct supplier scouting based on supply market analysis and business requirements.
• Evaluate, qualify, develop, and select international suppliers for parts, assemblies, and finished products, ensuring competitive pricing, required quality, and optimal delivery performance.
• Lead supplier selection in collaboration with SQE; ensure final supplier decisions are made by the purchasing team in accordance with the defined PVO decision matrix and supplier selection process.
• Ensure Global Commodity Management involvement prior to selecting suppliers for global commodities.
• Maintain and govern the approved supplier list and local purchasing matrix, ensuring all critical capabilities are covered by at least two qualified suppliers.
• Ensure optimal supplier performance in quality, on-time delivery (OTD), total cost of ownership (TCO), and compliance.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Quality, R&D and Operations to remove obstacles, improve efficiency, and capture new opportunities.

 Statutory and Compliance:

• Maintain high Health and Safety standards, reporting concerns immediately
• Ensure full compliance with regulations

 The Right Person:

 Essential:

• Demonstrable experience as a Strategic Buyer preferably 3 + years
• Strong commercial acumen
• Proficiency in data analysis and market research
• Sound knowledge of procurement processes and strategies
• Proficient IT skills including ERP systems and MS Office
• Strong organisational skills
• String supplier and stakeholder management skills
• CIPS qualification or equivalent
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Excellent communication skills at all levels
• Flexible and able to prioritise business needs
• Ability to adapt to changing market and trends
• Adaptability to new technologies and market changes
• Stock profiling and demand forecasting expertise
• Willingness to travel (up to 20%)

Desirable:

• Experience in manufacturing/engineering environment
• Experience with Lean principles (8 Wastes, 5Y, DMAIC)