Global Lead Buyer & Regional Coordinator – Raw Materials Purchasing

Key Responsibilities

1. Commodity & Strategy Management

Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with Corporate Purchasing

Lead global and regional negotiations, RFQs, contract awards, and implementation

Secure short- and long-term supply at competitive total cost, quality, and innovation standards

Conduct market and cost modeling analysis to support sourcing decisions and identify cost reduction and value creation initiatives

2. Supply Assurance & Raw Material Coordination

Ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials for planned production across assigned global and regional portfolios

Support forecasting, budgeting, material planning, and inventory optimization to meet inventory targets and KPIs

Monitor supply chain for efficiency opportunities and partner with Logistics, R&D, Finance, and Manufacturing

3. Supplier Relationship Management & Development

Manage assigned global and regional supplier relationships, including performance reviews and executive engagement

Source, evaluate, onboard, and develop new suppliers within assigned material cluster

Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) including segmentation and rationalization

Lead quality issue resolution and escalation management in alignment with stakeholders

Monitor and ensure communication of forecasts to suppliers

4. Market Intelligence & Risk Management

Monitor macroeconomic and commodity market developments (feedstock trends, FX rates, inflation, regulatory changes, industry demand, regulations, market trends etc)

Identify sourcing risks and opportunities

Exchange regularly with Regional Management and Corporate Purchasing

Support sustainability, compliance, and corporate initiatives (eg conflict minerals, environmental programs)

5. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Leadership

Serve as regional ambassador for Corporate Purchasing strategy and support plant purchasing teams on sourcing strategies

Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, Quality, Legal, and ISCM (Inbound Supply Chain Management) to drive value and operational excellence

Coordinate activities within the regional raw material cluster and represent Procurement in management forums

6. Reporting & Systems Governance

Maintain material and supplier databases as needed for price tracking, and procurement systems (SAP, sourcing tools, savings trackers)

Report savings, action plans, performance metrics, and provide input on raw material costs for P&L rollup and budgeting

Ensure compliance with all company and Corporate Purchasing policies

7. Additional Responsibilities

Participate in audits and assessments to ensure quality supply standards

Travel approximately 20- 30% (international included)

Execute projects as assigned

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management or related field

5+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management)

Strong analytical and cost optimization skills with proficiency in data analysis

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint

Excellent negotiation and contract management capabilities

Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders

Experience with multinational organizations and matrix organizations

Legal Authorization to work in the US is required. Continental is not able to offer sponsorship now or in the future for this opportunity

Continental is able to pay relocation expenses for this opportunity.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT

7+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management)

3+ years of experience in global sourcing or multi-regional procurement coordination

Demonstrated leadership experience managing procurement teams or cross-functional projects

Familiarity with sustainability and environmental compliance standards in procurement

Experience in manufacturing or raw materials / commodity procurement

Immediate Benefits

Robust Total Rewards Package

Paid Time Off

Volunteer Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Employee Discounts, including tire discounts

Competitive Bonus Programs

Employes 401k Match

Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.

Hybrid Work

Employee Assistance Program

Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional

And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

EEO-Statement

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening.

Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability.

If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to Careers@conti-na.com or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process.

Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

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