Global Lead Buyer & Regional Coordinator – Raw Materials Purchasing
THE COMPANYContinental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets.Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites. HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACTSG11Key Responsibilities1. Commodity & Strategy ManagementDevelop and implement commodity strategies aligned with Corporate PurchasingLead global and regional negotiations, RFQs, contract awards, and implementationSecure short- and long-term supply at competitive total cost, quality, and innovation standardsConduct market and cost modeling analysis to support sourcing decisions and identify cost reduction and value creation initiatives2. Supply Assurance & Raw Material CoordinationEnsure uninterrupted supply of raw materials for planned production across assigned global and regional portfoliosSupport forecasting, budgeting, material planning, and inventory optimization to meet inventory targets and KPIsMonitor supply chain for efficiency opportunities and partner with Logistics, R&D, Finance, and Manufacturing3. Supplier Relationship Management & DevelopmentManage assigned global and regional supplier relationships, including performance reviews and executive engagementSource, evaluate, onboard, and develop new suppliers within assigned material clusterDrive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) including segmentation and rationalizationLead quality issue resolution and escalation management in alignment with stakeholdersMonitor and ensure communication of forecasts to suppliers4. Market Intelligence & Risk ManagementMonitor macroeconomic and commodity market developments (feedstock trends, FX rates, inflation, regulatory changes, industry demand, regulations, market trends etc)Identify sourcing risks and opportunitiesExchange regularly with Regional Management and Corporate PurchasingSupport sustainability, compliance, and corporate initiatives (eg conflict minerals, environmental programs)5. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional LeadershipServe as regional ambassador for Corporate Purchasing strategy and support plant purchasing teams on sourcing strategiesPartner with R&D, Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, Quality, Legal, and ISCM (Inbound Supply Chain Management) to drive value and operational excellenceCoordinate activities within the regional raw material cluster and re...