Lead Specialist Category Buyer (NPP)

About the role

LEONI is seeking a Lead Specialist Category Buyer (NPP) to drive category strategy, supplier management and cost optimisation across its automotive wiring solutions business. The role combines market analysis, strategic sourcing and contract negotiation to ensure reliable supply of indirect materials and services.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor local economic, technical and social market trends for assigned categories and suppliers.
• Support and implement worldwide category and sub‑category strategies.
• Develop country‑specific category strategies in alignment with global category managers.
• Conduct internal and external analyses, research alternative suppliers, prices, products and services.
• Identify savings opportunities, including value‑analysis, value‑engineering and localisation ideas.
• Manage compliant supplier selection, release processes and preparation for award decisions.
• Negotiate complex supplier contracts (framework, SLA, quality agreements) together with legal and plant teams.
• Publish negotiation results across the purchasing network and lead national RfQ negotiations.
• Coordinate regular review meetings with internal stakeholders to improve customer satisfaction.
• Track monthly purchasing reports and resolve supplier escalations such as delivery delays.
• Recover non‑conformance and non‑performance costs and ensure contract adherence.

Required profile

• Proven experience in category buying or procurement within an industrial environment.
• Strong analytical abilities to assess market data and supplier performance.
• Excellent negotiation skills and experience handling complex contracts.
• Ability to work closely with legal, internal stakeholders and global category managers.
• Good understanding of cost‑saving methodologies (VA/VE, localisation).

Required skills