Expert Buyer

Company description:

Who are we?Volvo Cars is a company on a mission; to bring traditional car manufacturing into a connected, sustainable and smart future.Since 1927, we have been a brand known for our commitment to safety, creating innovative cars that make life less complicated for our consumers. In 2010, we decided to transform our business, resulting in a totally new generation of cars and technologies, as well as steady growth and record sales. Today, we’re expanding our global footprint in Europe, China and the US, and we’re on the lookout for new talent. We are constantly pushing our own skills and abilities to drive change in the automobile industry like never before. We are looking for innovative, committed people to join us in this endeavour and create safe, sustainable and connected cars. We believe in the power of people and will challenge and support you to reach your full potential. Join us and be part of Volvo Cars’ journey into the future.

Job description: Let's introduce ourselves

At Direct Material Procurement, we are strategically constructing an organization poised for future success. Our Global Category Teams are dedicated to establishing competitive value chains through collaborative efforts with stakeholders. We consider our chosen suppliers as enduring partners in innovation and business, aiming to cultivate long-term relationships while ensuring a sustainable global footprint. Our commitment extends to minimizing supply chain risks, and we continually explore new suppliers and innovative ideas.

 

We are committed to unleashing the full potential of individuals, fostering innovation, and embracing adaptability in the face of change. Our empowered teams assume ownership and proactively deliver optimal value to consumers. Leaders within our organization are dedicated to developing, coaching, and motivating individuals. By eliminating obstacles and facilitating team deliveries, our leaders actively contribute to the success of the business and operations. Our global team members collaboratively share ownership, offering mutual support to enhance global deliveries in an efficient, enjoyable manner.

What you'll do

You are to develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with the company’s needs for future technologies and concepts as well as drive continuous cost, technology, and supply chain improvements across the business lifecycle.

 

You will own and manage the supply base, ensuring financially sound and competent suppliers with an optimal and sustainable footprint and lead supplier sourcing and selection activities in close collaboration with the category team and stakeholders. You are to ensure the accuracy, completion, and timely management of contracts and secure fulfilment of all purchasing deliverables ahead of each program milestone.

 

You will collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure supplier capability, capacity, quality, and timely deliveries and act as an Expert Buyer, serving as the key commercial lead, guiding sourcing decisions and influencing technical and business strategies.

 

You will lead complex negotiations and establish long-term agreements balancing cost, performance, technology roadmap, and supply security as well as own and develop strategic supplier relationships at senior level, including executive alignment and escalation management. You will also drive risk management activities, including dual sourcing strategies, footprint optimization, and resilience planning for critical components.

What you'll bring

You will bring your collaborative approach and drive to meet shared objectives. You are consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances and active search for new opportunities, by using both formal and informal development channels.

 

You are structured and organized approach that enables complexity and different interfaces and bring confidence to act in an international environment and influence stakeholders, and fluent communication in English.

 

You have experience of doing business in an international environment with global suppliers where a strong business acumen is a prerequisite as well as an ability to shift between short term focus and long-term ambitions. With a significant portion of the supplier base located in China, you bring proven experience working with Chinese suppliers is highly valued, and deep understanding of the local business culture is considered a strong advantage.