Build and maintain category sourcing strategies for mechanical parts, assemblies, and passive optics.
Analyze cost drivers, and supply risk across the supplier market.
Identify and develop suppliers in Germany, Eastern Europe, and other key markets.
Lead outsourcing/transfer of internally or locally manufactured parts.
Run RFQs, cost breakdowns, and commercial negotiations.
Negotiate long-term agreements: pricing, capacity, and contract terms.
Lead supplier evaluation, selection, and qualification with Engineering and Quality.
Develop alternative sources for critical, high-cost, and single-source parts.
Monitor supplier performance and own corrective actions.
Maintain category roadmaps and risk registers; support transfer to series purchasing.
Cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Finance
What you bring with you
Degree in engineering, industrial engineering, supply chain, business administration or similar
Substantial experience in strategic purchasing, category management, or industrial sourcing, with a proven track record sourcing custom, drawing-based components
Experience with precision manufacturing, CNC machining, or optics
Solid grasp of manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and technical drawings, with strong cost breakdown analysis and cost-reduction capability
Track record leading RFQs, supplier selection, and commercial negotiations, including contract management
Experience with supplier qualification and development, industrialization, and production transfers
Structured project management and stakeholder management skills
Sound judgment balancing cost, quality, lead time, and risk with a data-driven approach, and able to work both proactive and independently
Experience in aerospace, space, defense, automotive, semiconductor, or similar is a plus - international sourcing experience preferred
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