NPM Purchasing - Strategic Category Buyer Production Equipment (m/f/diverse) - REF2023P

Continental 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 76,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading material experts for industry applications. The Continental group sector offers its customers reliable, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 20,000 employees (Status as of March 2026) at more than 60 sites globally, and sales of some 6.0 billion euros (2025), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

As Strategic Category Buyer for Production Equipment (m/f/diverse), you take end-to-end ownership of strategic procurement activities across the category, with a focus on investment projects (e.g. plant-related equipment and infrastructure), as well as related services. You drive sustainable value creation through best practices and close collaboration with internal stakeholders and key business partners.

Your Responsibilities:

• End-to-end responsibility for strategic global category purchasing, including supplier selection, negotiations, and contracting
• Preparation, execution, and finalization of international negotiations and project-based sourcing activities for Production Equipment with a strong focus on value creation (e.g. TCO)
• Drive cost optimization, bundling effects, make-or-buy decisions, and value engineering initiatives
• Manage supplier performance, claims, and escalations with strategic relevance
• Own the contract lifecycle and ensure compliance with internal policies and guidelines
• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies, translating them into clear actions, KPIs, and measurable results
• Advise and collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure transparency and satisfaction
• Use data analytics and digital procurement tools to improve efficiency and decision-making
• Lead cross-functional and global purchasing projects for plant-related equipment and related services

• University degree (Bachelor/Master/Diploma) or comparable qualification
• Several years of relevant professional experience in strategic purchasing, category management, or project-based sourcing
• Proven experience in CAPEX procurement is required; experience in technical purchasing and project-based sourcing is essential for this role
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong digital and AI affinity, with the ability to leverage modern digital tools and AI to improve sourcing, supplier management, data analysis and processes
• Structured, independent, and results-oriented working style
• Excellent English and German skills (written and verbal); additional language skills are an advantage

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

The well-being of our employees is important to us. That's why we offer exciting career prospects and support you in achieving a good work-life balance with additional benefits such as:

• Training opportunities
• Mobile and flexible working models
• Sabbaticals

and much more...

Sounds interesting for you? Click here to find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging are important to us and make our company strong and successful. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.