Lead Buyer

About the Position

We are seeking a Lead Buyer to manage mechanical components sourcing and supplier management for our manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the category strategy for mechanical components, including drawing-based parts, ensuring cost competitiveness, quality, and supply reliability.
• Lead sourcing and supplier management activities, including supplier identification, evaluation, and development in line with business and technical requirements.
• Drive cost optimization and value engineering initiatives, using total cost of ownership (TCO) and cost analysis to deliver sustainable savings.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to review technical requirements, support localization initiatives, and ensure alignment with product needs.
• Conduct market and spend analysis, benchmark suppliers, and define mid- to long-term sourcing strategies for the assigned category.
• Review bills of materials (BOMs) across products and machines to identify opportunities for cost reduction, standardization, and supplier consolidation.
• Manage supplier performance and supply risk, including market developments, capacity constraints, and business continuity exposure, and implement mitigation actions where needed.
• Lead and support localization, prototyping, and machine transfer projects by ensuring timely sourcing and technical alignment with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with global purchasing teams to align sourcing strategies and support supplier development initiatives.
• Operate within delegated purchasing authority and ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures, and applicable ISO standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or related supply chain functions, preferably within a manufacturing or project-based environment.
• Proven experience in category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier development.
• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical/electrical components, material standards, and engineering drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret BOMs and understand cost drivers.
• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; ability to present data-driven insights and proposals.
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP).
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across different levels and functions.

Nice to Have

• Market Analysis
• Spend Analysis
• Cost Optimization
• Value Engineering
• Technical Knowledge
• Engineering Drawings
• BOMs
• Communication

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a global technology company
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• Diverse and inclusive work environment

About the Company

Körber is a global technology company for intelligent manufacturing and supply chain solutions. As a reliable innovation partner, Körber turns entrepreneurial thinking into customer success by providing leading technology to fuel what’s next – from end-to-end pharma production and advanced supply chain solutions to high-tech machinery and process equipment. Körber combines deep domain expertise with integrated hardware, software, and digital services, to help customers take the next step.

Job Segment: Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, Supply, Mechanical Engineer, Category Manager, Operations, Engineering, Retail

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For questions, please contact us via [email protected]. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applicants - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity, and any other protected status.