Category Lead Purchasing (m / w / d)

Our client is a technology-driven organization specializing in the development and distribution of high-performance solutions for the automotive, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. Operating globally, the company leverages advanced materials science, surface engineering, and automation to deliver precise, efficient, and scalable technologies. Its culture is defined by operational agility, technical excellence, and continuous improvement across its international supply chain networks.

The Demand & Purchasing Lead plays a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s global supply chain by anticipating demand trends, shaping procurement strategies, and ensuring uninterrupted material availability. A core focus of this role is driving high-impact negotiations—commercial, technical, strategic, and operational—to secure long-term value and resilience. Additionally, the position contributes directly to the company’s digital transformation, supporting the integration of advanced procurement technologies, data-driven tools, and automated processes that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

Demand Planning & Forecasting

Lead and continuously improve forecasting processes through data integration, cross-functional collaboration, and the implementation of digital planning tools.

Translate business signals, consumption patterns, and operational plans into accurate procurement requirements.

Strategic Procurement, Negotiation & Supplier Management

Develop sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, risk, and long-term supply continuity.

Lead negotiations across the full spectrum—commercial terms, technical specifications, supply capacity, service levels, and contractual frameworks—ensuring sustainable value creation.

Build and manage high-level supplier relationships to ensure alignment on performance, quality, and long-term capability development.

Drive supplier improvement programs, including capability upgrades, digital collaboration tools, and performance optimization initiatives.

Operational Execution & Inventory Coordination

Ensure efficient execution of tactical purchasing for consumables, surface treatment products, and equipment, balancing responsiveness with cost control.

Coordinate closely with production, logistics, and warehouse teams to align procurement activities with inventory objectives and operational needs.

Monitor supplier delivery reliability, lead times, and compliance, triggering corrective or preventive actions when necessary.

Process Optimization, Digital Transformation & Risk Mitigation

Collaborate with internal teams on the digital transformation of procurement processes, supporting the implementation of ERP enhancements, automation, analytics tools, and integrated digital workflows.

Promote data quality, system adoption, and the use of digital platforms to accelerate decision-making and increase transparency.

Lead or support risk mitigation initiatives including supplier diversification, dual sourcing, and category risk assessments.

Minimum 7 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or demand planning within industrial, manufacturing, or automotive environments.

Demonstrated expertise in negotiation across multiple dimensions (commercial, contractual, technical, operational).

Strong analytical background applied to forecasting, inventory control, and cost optimization.

Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, SRM platforms), with interest or experience in digital procurement tools.

Solid understanding of global supply chain principles, supplier performance management, and international logistics.

Experience working collaboratively with engineering, production, digital / IT, and logistics teams.