Global Category IT for OESL (EU locations)

OESL – Original Equipment Solutions, For Future Mobility.

Are you ready to move ForwardTogether with a global, dedicated, and experienced team? 

Join us and take the opportunity to contribute to our future in the fundamentally changing automotive industry with your new role as Global Category Manager for IT in the stand-alone Business Area Original Equipment Solutions. Your new place to work is flexible and will be defined later (hybrid).

About Original Equipment Solutions:

With more than 17.000 employees and around 2bn€ sales, present in 15 countries with 35 locations and tech centers – OESL is a global player in the automotive sector with extended material competence in rubber, plastic, and metal, serving all major OEM’s and commercial vehicle customers’ needs with millions of parts in high quality.

By joining us, you will help build an innovative, customized procurement organization and take on the challenges of tomorrow, all while promoting  synergies, clear responsibilities, and a strong focus on our internal customers.

If you enjoy challenges, value teamwork, and want to be part of an ambitious project, this opportunity is for you!



Indeed, OESL is restructuring its organization to strengthen Source to Contract (S2C) procurement in IT for OESL (NPM, Indirect Purchasing.

You will manage this Global Category with a strong commitment to harmonized processes and a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach aimed at delivering long-term value, your responsibilities will also include:

Strategy : 

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive portfolio strategy aligned with your region and OESL needs, ensuring a balanced supplier portfolio that minimizes risk, enhances flexibility, and strengthens market positioning;
• Define, deliver, and regularly update a Sourcing List;
• Identify and onboard new potential suppliers when necessary to meet evolving needs;
• Identify opportunities for value improvement and drive implementation.

Commercial

• Managing projects within your area of expertise, in collaboration with other departments across the group;
• Lead negotiations;
• Manage and maintain essential global contracts.

Escalation Support:

• Provide support to P2P teams (operation) in resolving quality, supply, or commercial escalations;
• Conduct market surveys;
• Serve as the next level of escalation support for plants facing supply issues (quality or delivery).

Reporting:

• Share market insights with relevant stakeholders;
• Regularly report on category performance;
• Forecast expected price developments and keep stakeholders informed.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical domain (e.g. IT, Economics, Business Administration); equivalent professional experience may be considered in exceptional cases;
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Purchasing (managing contracts for IT systems and platforms) with at least 1 year in the automotive industry;
• Proven expertise in Purchasing Portfolio Management (strategy development, supplier list management, market insights, portfolio analysis, forecasting) and contractual agreements;
• Strong negotiation experience, including RFQs, offer analysis, comparison, and negotiation;
• Proficient in Risk Management, including claims, finance, and legal considerations;
• Ability to work effectively within a remote global team;
• Perfect knowledge of Microsoft tools (Excel, PowerPoint) and others (e.g. Power BI, SAP);
• Project management experience is a must;
• At least 3 years of exposure to international business; experience living abroad is a plus.

Nice to have:

• Independent, flexible, and adaptable, you demonstrate strong leadership skills and can create a group dynamic;
• You possess analytical and synthesis skills and excellent interpersonal abilities to facilitate team communication;
• You are customer-oriented, ensuring that the needs of the group’s factories are met;
• A strong team mindset is essential!

Reporting Line: You will report directly to the Team Lead Category  - Machines, Toolings, Logistic & IT - BA OESL

Languages: Fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in German or French would be an asset.

What we offer:

Compensation and benefits according to the location where the role will be filled and includes:

• Flexibility - hybrid work.
• Work Abroad - Possibility to work abroad within the EU for 20+20 days per year (two different countries).

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.