JOB TITLE

Category Buyer

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare purchasing inputs for customer RFQ cost models by collecting relevant supplier quotations, cost assumptions, and sourcing data within required timelines.
• Request quotations from suppliers and distributors for components, and ensure all commercial inputs are properly documented.
• Record supplier quotations in cost models, including lead-times, MOQ conditions, copper surcharge, and other applicable cost elements.
• Follow up quotation status with suppliers and distributors to ensure timely input for quotation deadlines and internal decision-making.
• Propose alternative suppliers, components, or sourcing options in cooperation with category teams to improve competitiveness and reduce supply risk.
• Maintain regular alignment with category purchasing teams to ensure sourcing decisions support existing category strategies and preferred supplier concepts.
• Support BOM cost optimization activities by identifying cost reduction opportunities during quotation and awarded program phases.
• Contribute to VAVE activities by coordinating supplier inputs and evaluating commercial impact of alternative technical solutions.
• Represent purchasing in operational cross-functional meetings and provide sourcing-related inputs to engineering, sales, and program teams.
• Maintain SuperBOM data for assigned pursuit and awarded programs and ensure sourcing information is kept up to date.
• Update and monitor sourcing pipeline status for awarded programs to support purchasing transparency and program TTM (Time To Market).
• Maintain BOM cost walk data for critical programs and track changes related to supplier quotations, sourcing decisions, and technical modifications.
• Monitor supplier-related cost changes, lead-time updates, and sourcing risks throughout program execution.
• Support timely sourcing actions and follow-up activities to ensure purchasing deliverables meet program milestones and launch timing.
• Contribute to the source board approvals together with the category buyers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or operational procurement.
• Experience in supplier quotation handling and commercial data collection.
• Basic understanding of BOM cost structures and cost model inputs.
• Good Excel knowledge and ability to work with structured cost files.
• ERP experience (e.g. SAP or comparable purchasing systems).
• Good communication skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.
• Structured, accurate, and detail-oriented working style.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in automotive industry or manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting RFQ processes or awarded program sourcing activities.
• Knowledge of cost models, sourcing documentation, and BOM tracking.
• Familiarity with VAVE activities and cost optimization methods.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• English language skills for international supplier and internal communication.

NICE TO KNOW