Tactical Buyer

About the position

We are looking for a proactive and technically minded Tactical Buyer to join our Global Procurement team.

In this role, you will work closely with Category Managers and cross-functional stakeholders to support sourcing activities, supplier development, cost optimization, and new product introductions. Approximately 75-80% of the role will focus on mechanical components, with the remaining scope covering packaging materials and related sourcing projects.

You will play a key role in identifying and developing suppliers, managing sourcing projects, supporting supplier qualification activities, and ensuring suppliers meet 3Shape's requirements for quality, delivery, cost, technology, and capacity. The role offers significant exposure to supplier negotiations, engineering collaboration, supply chain optimization, and global supplier management.

Your responsibilities

• Support the Category Manager in developing and executing category and sourcing strategies for mechanical components and packaging.

• Support RFQ processes, including supplier identification, quotation analysis, commercial evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.

• Support sourcing projects associated with New Product Introduction (NPI) or second source implementation activities.

• Prepare analyses and recommendations to support supplier negotiations, sourcing decisions, and contract implementation.

• Support cost reduction initiatives through benchmarking, value engineering, market analysis, and supplier engagement.

• Monitor supplier performance and proactively escalate risks relating to quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and supply continuity.

• Participate in supplier visits, business reviews, audits, and follow-up actions with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

• Support supplier relationship management activities and maintain regular communication with suppliers regarding performance, capacity, and future requirements.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Lifecycle Management, Operations, Production, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful project execution.

• Maintain supplier and pricing master data within ERP systems and procurement tools.

• Coordinate the resolution of supplier-related issues and escalations while keeping stakeholders informed of progress, risks, and mitigation activities.

Mechanical Components (Primary Focus)

• Reading and understanding engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.

• Knowledge of CNC machining, surface treatments e.g. anodising, stamping, forging, die casting, extrusion, and assembly processes.

• Understanding of materials, tolerances, dimensions, and quality requirements.

Packaging (Advantageous Experience)

• Experience with packaging procurement, including corrugated packaging, printed packaging, labels, inserts, foams, and protective packaging.

• Understanding of packaging materials, print technologies, and packaging development processes.

• Experience supporting sustainability initiatives related to packaging materials and design.

• Experience coordinating packaging development projects.

Skills and Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in Procurement, Purchasing, Strategic Sourcing, or Supply Chain, preferably within a manufacturing environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or a related qualification.

• Experience preparing and managing RFQs, evaluating supplier quotations, and supporting sourcing decisions.

• Experience in supplier negotiations and supplier relationship management.

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk considerations.

• Strong analytical skills with experience in spend analysis, cost modelling, and supplier performance evaluation.

• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, and data analysis.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain functions.

• Structured, proactive, and results-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

• Global mindset, comfortable working in an international environment and collaborating with suppliers and stakeholders across Europe and Asia.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, with approximately 20% travel expected.

What We Offer:

• Private healthcare (Luxmed) with extended dental package

• Fresh fruits and healthy lunches at a symbolic cost (2 PLN)

• Company-sponsored group life insurance plan (UNUM), including a free standard coverage package

• Access to a comprehensive health and wellbeing program

• Language courses with qualified teachers

• A modern office with relax zones in Szczecin

• A vibrant, international environment with skilled and collaborative colleagues

We encourage all relevant applicants to apply. We are committed to celebrating human diversity, and we trust that the best way to reach outstanding business results, is by welcoming diverse people into our community.

In compliance with the Whistleblower Protection Act, we inform candidates that an internal whistleblowing channel is available within our organization. 

About us

3Shape started with a simple idea - to make 3D scanning better. First, we applied it to the hearing industry, then we succeeded in dentistry. Twenty years later, 3Shape has 2,000+ employees globally. With the help of dental professionals and amazing colleagues we’re creating award-winning scanning and CAD/CAM solutions to change dentistry together! Together, we contribute to a better world. Experience the everyday #lifeat3Shape across the globe on LinkedIn.