Global Lead Buyer & Regional Coordinator – Raw Materials Purchasing

THE COMPANY Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets. Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites. HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT SG11 Key Responsibilities 1. Commodity & Strategy Management Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with Corporate Purchasing Lead global and regional negotiations, RFQs, contract awards, and implementation Secure short- and long-term supply at competitive total cost, quality, and innovation standards Conduct market and cost modeling analysis to support sourcing decisions and identify cost reduction and value creation initiatives 2. Supply Assurance & Raw Material Coordination Ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials for planned production across assigned global and regional portfolios Support forecasting, budgeting, material planning, and inventory optimization to meet inventory targets and KPIs Monitor supply chain for efficiency opportunities and partner with Logistics, R&D, Finance, and Manufacturing 3. Supplier Relationship Management & Development Manage assigned global and regional supplier relationships, including performance reviews and executive engagement Source, evaluate, onboard, and develop new suppliers within assigned material cluster Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) including segmentation and rationalization Lead quality issue resolution and escalation management in alignment with stakeholders Monitor and ensure communication of forecasts to suppliers 4. Market Intelligence & Risk Management Monitor macroeconomic and commodity market developments (feedstock trends, FX rates, inflation, regulatory changes, industry demand, regulations, market trends etc) Identify sourcing risks and opportunities Exchange regularly with Regional Management and Corporate Purchasing Support sustainability, compliance, and corporate initiatives (eg conflict minerals, environmental programs) 5. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Leadership Serve as regional ambassador for Corporate Purchasing strategy and support plant purchasing teams on sourcing strategies Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, Quality, Legal, and ISCM (Inbound Supply Chain Management) to drive value and operational excellence Coordinate activities within the regional raw material cluster and represent Procurement in management forums 6. Reporting & Systems Governance Maintain material and supplier databases as needed for price tracking, and procurement systems (SAP, sourcing tools, savings trackers) Report savings, action plans, performance metrics, and provide input on raw material costs for P&L rollup and budgeting Ensure compliance with all company and Corporate Purchasing policies 7. Additional Responsibilities Participate in audits and assessments to ensure quality supply standards Travel approximately 20- 30% (international included) Execute projects as assigned WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE : Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management or related field 5+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management) Strong analytical and cost optimization skills with proficiency in data analysis Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint Excellent negotiation and contract management capabilities Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders Experience with multinational organizations and matrix organizations Legal Authorization to work in the US is required. Continental is not able to offer sponsorship now or in the future for this opportunity Continental is able to pay relocation expenses for this opportunity. ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT 7+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management) 3+ years of experience in global sourcing or multi-regional procurement coordination Demonstrated leadership experience managing procurement teams or cross-functional projects Familiarity with sustainability and environmental compliance standards in procurement Experience in manufacturing or raw materials / commodity procurement THE PERKS Immediate Benefits Robust Total Rewards Package Paid Time Off Volunteer Time Off Tuition Assistance Employee Discounts, including tire discounts Competitive Bonus Programs Employes 401k Match Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups. Hybrid Work Employee Assistance Program Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader! EEO-Statement: EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back. Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.