Category Lead Buyer

As a leader in thermal technology, we design, develop, and manufacture heating, cooling, and ventilating devices for diverse global markets. With our employees, we pioneer and shape markets for comfort devices while seeking new ways to drive value for our customers. We employ approximately 10,000 people at twelve locations in North America, Europe and Asia.

About the job

CATEGORY LEAD BUYER

Impact and Opportunity

As a key member of the Global Purchasing team, you will be responsible for the sourcing, purchasing, and negotiation of pricing and services within the connectors, terminals, and PCB headers sub-category. Your role will involve obtaining supplier quotations, cost breakdowns, and technical feasibility (FS) data, and performing in-depth quotation analyses to assess supplier compatibility with company goals.

You will lead cost optimization initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams including VAVE, engineering, operations, project management, and sales. Monitoring supplier performance—focusing on cost, delivery schedules, and compliance with specifications—will also be a core responsibility.

In this global role, you will work closely with suppliers to proactively resolve commercial issues and ensure continuity in production. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to lead the development and execution of strategic category plans that support key business objectives related to cost, quality, fulfillment, and innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute global category strategies for connectors/terminals/PCB headers and assigned electromechanical categories in partnership with the Global Category Director.
• Lead contract negotiations and developments with wire suppliers to ensure consistent commercial terms and conditions.
• Lead regular global/regional benchmarking activities for wire materials to determine best in class suppliers for wire.
• Negotiate pricing based on regional indices, market factors, and global benchmark data.
• Manage and approve ECR for new or changed materials.
• Qualify new suppliers in collaboration with category strategy / technical roadmap.
• Improve efficiency in terms of reliability of supply and price as well as risk management.
• Ensure early involvement of SQD in case of new suppliers and/or materials and on-time PPAP approval.
• Conduct purchasing of materials independently and select supplier and second sources for the components out of an approved supplier list.
• Ensure correct, complete and timely maintenance of master data and workflows in all relevant systems.
• Collaborate with engineering to confirm technical approval of supplier offers and required validation plans for alternative material approvals.
• Support and execute cost reduction ideas.
• Confirm material availability and lead time for the components.
• Ensure supplier capacities to avoid supply bottlenecks.
• Support product change requests and “End of Life” ramp-down activities at the component level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business with technical background and/or Engineering with economical background.
• Minimum 5-7 years experience as a strategic buyer, or commodity manager at Tier 1/Tier 2 supplier in automotive industry.
• Minimum of 3 years - related wire commodity experience.
• A record of achieving purchasing cost savings through negotiation, resourcing, & VAVE.
• Familiar with single source situations with experience in such an environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred experience in electomechanical commodities such as connectors/terminals/PCB headers, etc.
• SAP, PCP, IBS APQP, customer requirements, job specific processes and reporting tools, lean training, MS Office.
• Strong negotiation, communication and assertiveness skills.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to transfer technical matters into economic considerations.
• Strong team player and intercultural competence.
• Strong English language verbal and written skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Cost calculation knowledge.
• Legal/contractual knowledge.
• Strong MS Office skills.

WHY JOIN US

• Collaborate with international teams and suppliers, gaining experience in a dynamic work environment.
• Access to professional development opportunities, mentorship, and internal mobility to help you grow within the organization.
• Be part of a company that values creativity, continuous improvement, and smart solutions.
• Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive and inclusive setting.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Gentherm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age.