Senior Advanced Purchasing Specialist

Job description

Position Summary The Senior Buyer – Electrical Commodity is responsible for managing sourcing and supplier activities related to electrical and electronic components, supporting both current production and new business programs. The role drives cost optimization, supplier performance and sourcing strategies across E/E commodities, including components such as ECUs, sensors, wiring systems, power electronics and electrified powertrain elements. The position ensures alignment with global purchasing strategies while meeting business targets in cost, quality, delivery and innovation. Acting as a key interface between purchasing, engineering, quality and suppliers, the Senior Buyer supports both operational execution and strategic sourcing initiatives within the electrical commodity perimeter. Responsibilities • Define and execute sourcing strategy for the Electrical Commodity across assigned regions and programs. • Manage RFQ/RFI processes for electrical and electronic components, ensuring competitive and compliant sourcing. • Identify cost reduction opportunities and drive year-over-year savings initiatives within the E/E commodity. • Perform cost analysis and Total Cost of Ownership evaluations for electrical systems and components. • Lead sourcing and supplier selection activities in collaboration with engineering, quality and supply chain teams. • Negotiate supplier contracts, ensuring best conditions in terms of cost, quality, delivery, payment terms and risk mitigation. • Manage supplier relationships, performance and development within the electrical commodity. • Monitor and improve supplier KPIs (quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness). • Support new product development programs and ensure sourcing readiness for launch (PPAP, timelines, capacity). • Coordinate cross-functional activities (Engineering, SQE, MP&L) to ensure alignment of technical and commercial requirements. • Support engineering in technical discussions with suppliers, particularly for complex electrical/electronic components. • Ensure supply chain continuity and mitigate risks related to E/E components and global supply constraints. • Support Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) and design-to-cost initiatives. • Track savings, cost reductions and supplier improvements, ensuring accurate reporting. • Drive process improvements and contribute to lean supply chain initiatives. Main Opportunities and Challanges The role operates in a rapidly evolving automotive environment, particularly driven by electrification and increasing complexity of electrical and electronic systems. The Senior Buyer – Electrical Commodity plays a critical role in securing competitive and reliable supply of key E/E components, while supporting innovation in electrified powertrain systems. The position requires strong technical understanding combined with negotiation and supplier management capabilities. Requirements • University Bachelor Degree in Mechatronic, Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or a related field. • 3–5+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing or supply chain in automotive or industrial sectors. • Experience with electrical/electronic components or electrified systems is strongly preferred. • Experience in supplier management and cross-functional collaboration. • Exposure to new product development and industrialization processes. Skills Hard skills: Essential: • Strong knowledge of sourcing processes, RFQ management and supplier negotiation • Understanding of electrical and electronic components (e.g. ECU, wiring, sensors, power electronics) • Experience with cost analysis and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluation • Ability to read and understand technical drawings and specifications • Knowledge of supplier performance management and KPIs • Familiarity with automotive product development and launch processes • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Office • Fluent English Considered as a plus: • Knowledge of electrified powertrain systems or e-mobility technologies • Experience with global sourcing and supply chain risk management • Familiarity with automotive quality standards (PPAP, APQP) • Experience with ERP / procurement systems Soft skills: • Strong negotiation and influencing skills • Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving • Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects • Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork • Proactive and results-driven mindset • Strong communication skills • High level of ownership and accountability • Continuous improvement mindset Compensation Data Annual base salary range: EUR 45K – 68K