Senior Category Buyer

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and driven Category Buyer to join our Europe Procurement team. In this role, you will manage a defined supplier portfolio and ensure the best Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) conditions for our European manufacturing sites.

As a key contributor to the Category Strategy, you will implement optimal terms and conditions with suppliers and secure sustainable performance across productivity, quality, delivery, sustainability, and contract coverage.

Key Responsibilities
Category Execution & Supplier Management

• Ensure day‑to‑day operational relationships with assigned suppliers and maintain healthy, sustainable competition.
• Drive supplier performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Sustainability metrics.
• Act as the first escalation point for supplier performance issues and crisis management.

• Manage RFQs and lead supplier offer evaluations aligned with the global and regional category strategy.
• Conduct annual negotiations and secure the best commercial and contractual conditions.

• Lead concentration initiatives on targeted suppliers while mitigating business and supply risks.
• Identify and promote technical productivity levers (QVE, supplier changes) by influencing key stakeholders (Business Units, Productivity Leaders, suppliers).
• When acting as Schneider Supplier Leader (SSL), drive a global approach including global negotiations, should‑cost analysis, and Lean initiatives with suppliers.

• Collaborate closely with Category Managers and Global Procurement Services by providing accurate data and updates for purchasing tools and databases.
• Support contract implementation and legal compliance across your supplier panel.

• Master's degree in Purchasing with 3+ years of experience, or Engineering degree with 5+ years in procurement.

• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Solid understanding of category strategy and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of legal terms, risk management, and contract implementation.
• Experience in cost & value analysis and total cost of ownership.
• Good understanding of quality, supply chain, and industrial processes.
• Project management capabilities and strong analytical mindset.
• Comfortable working with digital tools and procurement systems.
• Strong leadership presence and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external senior management.
• High cross‑cultural awareness and adaptability.

• Yearly bonus
• Medicover White Spring medical package
• Life & accident insurance
• Cafeteria allowance
• Home Office allowances
• Hybrid and flexible working model
• Voluntary health & pension fund contributions
• Global Family Leave Package supporting work-life balance
• WESOP - World Employee Share Ownership Plan , enabling you to become a shareholder
• The opportunity to work at a company ranked #1 in TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies (2025)
• An international, diverse environment with a culture that encourages questions, ideas, and making an impact