Business Unit Procurement Manager – Central Europe

Business Unit Procurement Manager – Central Europe

Employment location: Cologne, Dusseldorf or Dresden, Germany

General Job Description / Key Responsibilities

The Business Unit Procurement Manager is the regional leader of the procurement function, focusing mainly on procurement plan-to-strategy (P2S) and sourcing-to-contract (S2C) processes. The role is responsible for coordinating procurement activities within the business unit, driving the roll-out of best practices and promoting synergies across it.

The role supports both the Business Unit VP Operations and the Group CPO across all strategic and operational procurement topics, including category management, best-cost-country initiatives, supplier development, tenders and cost savings programmes, and ensures harmonised and active implementation of procurement practices, tools and policy enforcement.

The Business Unit Procurement Manager coordinates all procurement activities of the countries and regions within the business unit, with a dual reporting line to the Business Unit VP Operations and the Group CPO. The role plays an active part in executing CSR / ESG initiatives with suppliers, supports and coaches the Country / Regional Sourcing Managers (from day-to-day matters to the implementation of strategic initiatives at country level), and represents the business unit within the procurement management team.

Responsible for:

• Acting as a strategic advisor to the Business Unit VP Operations and the Group CPO on all procurement matters
• Ensuring the proper functioning of the business unit's supply chain by developing the best suppliers in terms of cost, delivery, quality, CSR and innovation
• Implementing cost savings initiatives to achieve savings targets and contribute to project profitability
• Promoting synergies between countries and regions within the business unit to implement best practices developed elsewhere
• Steering and coaching country / regional procurement managers and their teams on procurement methodologies
• Supervising the correct application of compliance within the supply base and the execution of all ESG / CSR initiatives
• Reporting on target achievement at both category and business unit level
• Ensuring the contribution of procurement activities (cost, quality, delivery and innovation) to the business unit's P&L improvement
• Ensuring application of the procurement policy and all related group procurement initiatives within the business unit

Objectives / Key Deliverables / KPIs

• Business unit alignment with group procurement strategies, including quality of implementation and project execution of the Group Procurement Policy
• Leadership and talent development metrics, ensuring continuous development and retention of procurement talent
• Visible contribution and target achievement on the business unit P&L, especially cost of goods sold and the savings plan
• Avoidance of cost variations and improvement of project margins
• Active monitoring of the supplier target panel within the business unit

Key Competencies / Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Deep knowledge of procurement processes (P2S / S2C / P2P)
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a matrix organisation under a dual reporting system
• Availability to travel (approximately 30% of time)
• Fluent English is essential; additional European languages (e.g. Spanish, French, Italian or a Nordic language) are a plus
• Deep knowledge of SRM processes and systems
• International experience preferred
• Ability to inspire and coach
• Results-oriented

Qualifications and Experience

Work experience:

Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in procurement

Industry experience:

Retail solutions / Automotive / Technology

Budget / sales responsibility:

No

Formal education:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business or economics; Master's / MBA is a plus

Languages:

English, oral and written (mandatory). German strongly desirable. Spanish, French, Italian or a Nordic language are a plus

Expected results:

High-quality and efficient execution of procurement processes, supporting the organisation's commitment to being a long-term sustainable employer

Business travel:

Both domestic and international travel required