Category Buyer (maternity cover)

KION Business Services Polska is part of the KION Group - a world-leading supplier of forklift trucks, warehouse technology and supply chain solutions. We already employ more than 42,000 people in over 100 countries and are thus significantly driving the future of intralogistics while pursuing a clear sustainability strategy. In Cracow we hire around 750 Employees.

For our procurement department we are currently looking for the Category Buyer. As a valuable member of the Global Strategic Direct Procurement department, you will be in charge of the strategic procurement within the commodity - Mast & Hydraulic. In close coordination with the Category Manager and internal Business Partners, you will shape the Category Strategy, optimize the global supply base; become an integral challenger in the early development phase, achieve material cost optimization at the supplier level also through effective supplier relationship management.

Join KION Business Services and shape the intelligent supply chain solutions that power everyday life!

We offer:

• Hybrid work & Flexible Working Hours
• Private medical care in LuxMed Group
• 4 hours off work per year for health check-ups ("Dzień na U")
• MyBenefit Cafeteria Platform (with Multisport card available)
• Group Life Insurance
• Employee referral program
• Professional training & courses
• Sharing the costs of foreign language courses
• No dress code
• Possibility of growth inside an organization

Tasks and Qualifications:

• You will engineer & steer the supply base to achieve our objectives on quality, cost, delivery, business, and innovation, considering best practice methods as well as KIONs Procurement Strategy.
• You will develop Category Strategies and the supplier portfolio in alignment with the Category Manager which includes regular supplier and market analysis as well as benchmarking
• You will closely cooperate with Advanced Sourcing to assure project requirements on the supply base and the transfer of market trends into the projects
• You will ensure the early involvement of the procurement (strategy) in the development process (Close cooperation with Module Management & Truck development)
• You will maintain and develop relationships with strategic suppliers. Lead negotiations for the supplier portfolio in your area of responsibility. Manage and negotiate global contracts with strategic suppliers (NDAs, Long Term- / Supply Contracts, etc.).
• You will proactively drive sourcing, resourcing, 2nd sourcing, etc. initiatives, effectively managing all internal as well as external relations to achieve the goals
• You will manage crisis situations. Support and respond to unforeseen supply failures, working with suppliers and plant to deliver solutions

Your Skills and Expertise:

• Bachelor's degree minimum in Business or Engineering and experience of 3+ years' as a Commodity Buyer in Material Handling, Construction, Agriculture, Automotive Tier 1, or similarly demanding environment.
• Strategic thinking in the day-to-day decision making.
• Strong negotiation skills. Capable of leading negotiations for strategic supply contracts. Ability to develop and understand legal contracts.
• Good understanding of product cost breakdowns and experience in methods for TCO management, based on product cost analysis and cost engineering.
• Able to read and understand technical drawings and specifications. Good understanding of manufacturing processes and industry quality standards for industrial parts - appreciated.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office.
• Results driven, with the ability to drive projects self-reliant and successfully.
• Excellent communicator and presenter at key stakeholders / top executive level.
• Flexibility to travel within Europe, also at short notice.
• Very good English skills
• Demonstrates KION Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Courage.
• Demonstrates KION Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Courage.

Nice-to-have:

• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and industry quality standards for industrial parts
• Good SAP/R3 ERP experience
• Fluent German skills

If you have any questions - feel free to contact us at

[email protected]

Apply for the role and join us!