Strategic Buyer - Raw Materials

KRONES designs, develops, manufactures, and installs both machines and complete packaging lines.  We have become one of the leading system suppliers for breweries and beverage producers as well as for the food, chemical and cosmetics industries.  Our 16,000 employees worldwide strive for innovation and detail and ensure that each customer receives the best quality in product and service.

We are currently looking for candidates who want to make a difference and who wish to be part of our dynamic organization in the US.

The Strategic Raw Material Buyer is responsible for the execution of the Krones corporate commodity strategies. In addition, the Buyer will be responsible for identifying and implementing new suppliers and rating/auditing existing suppliers. The buyer will also play a key role in negotiations of contracts with suppliers including agreements. This position will manage all parts of the commodity which include sourcing, negotiating, implementing and administering terms, also supply agreements for the assigned commodity. The Ideal candidate will possess a strong background in raw materials, sourcing raw material globally. In addition knowledge of reading blueprints would be valuable.

Key responsibilities, a participating in cross-functional teams, researching best commodity practices, achieving cost reduction initiatives, while high focus on customer satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supplier Development, negotiations of raw materials. Continuous improvement of purchasing processes and tools. Continuous supplier development, supplier quality assurance. Monitoring of Supplier Performance. Planning, execution and follow-up of supplier meetings or negotiations.
• Supporting the development of a corporate commodity strategy.
• Continuous development of the supply base and finding new suppliers.
• Handling claims and invoice deviations.
• Creation of spend analysis per commodity and supplier within affiliate / Subsidiaries.
• Holding kick-off meeting for implementation of corporate commodity management.
• Benchmarking with global supply base and creating TCO Benchmark within SRM
• Other duties as assigned

Keys to your success…

• Ability to analyze complex supplier proposals which include financial and non-financial criteria, to facilitate awarding of contracts.
• Negotiation of commercial agreements and contracts to align with corporate strategies.
• Management of overall supplier relationships including supplier performance, capability development, cost and quality improvements.
• Development of supplier scorecards and objectives with cross-functional teams
• An ability to drive supplier performance to meet or exceed annual goals High volume purchasing experience.
• Passion to evaluate market trends and key cost drivers to identify and implement cost savings opportunities.
• Leading and influencing cross-functional teams consisting of Quality, Engineering, Operations and Marketing to define product requirements to meet overall business objectives.
• Accountability for financial KPIs (standard price, market analysis, budgeting and estimates).
• Supporting operations in extended downtime incidents and waste reduction

Skills

• Technical Skills: Strong experience in market/supplier analysis and able to quickly develop commodity expertise.
• Leader: track record of inspiring others around a vision. Comfortable interacting with senior managements and making formal presentations.
• Communication: able to clearly communicate to others both verbally and in writing. Able to create and deliver presentations in a clear and concise manner
• Team player: respects solutions that are efficiently and effectively found through collaboration and cooperation. Able to work cross functionally with Quality, R&D and supply chain.
• Problem Solver: Ability to think outside the box, use available data, find constructive solutions, act independently.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Total ownership of commodity willing to “roll up sleeves”, identify opportunities for action.
• Results Oriented: comfortable setting and delivering against bold, stretch targets
• Multi-tasking: ability to work on multiple priorities and projects at one time and meet deadlines

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• 2+ years in major business experience.
• High volume purchasing experience.
• Manufacturing experience helpful
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in German is a plus.
• Working independently / Self-starter.
• Ability to work in fast pace / changing environment.
• Possess strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to details.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage several projects concurrently.
• Proficiency / Experience in SAP and MS office is a plus.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• CPIM or CSCP certification a plus
• Working in a large organization / international experience
• Bachelor’s degree
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge and experience of driving commodity strategies and participating in Global teams
• 2+ years of experience in procurement

KRONES, INC. offers an outstanding opportunity to be involved with and challenged by leading-edge technologies, further career opportunities to learn and develop skills, a flexible work schedule and a competitive salary and benefits program. Our benefits program includes a generous health/dental/vision package, and 401(k) program in addition to other benefits. Please submit your resume.