Senior Buyer - Stampings

SENIOR BUYER - STAMPINGS (Automotive)

Location: Plzeň, Czech Republic

Contract: Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

YOU MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TO BE CONSIDERED!

Join a leading automotive manufacturer as a Senior Buyer, taking ownership of strategic sourcing for automotive stamped components while driving supplier performance, cost optimisation and successful programme delivery

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of automotive stamped components and related materials, ensuring quality, cost and delivery objectives are achieved.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for stampings, working closely with engineering, programme management and manufacturing teams.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing strategic suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews, KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Commercial & Cost Management

• Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, tooling, capacity, payment terms and long-term supply agreements.
• Deliver year-on-year cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, supplier negotiations and productivity improvements.
• Support new product launches by securing competitive quotations, tooling investment and production readiness.
• Monitor market trends, raw material movements and supplier cost drivers to support informed purchasing decisions.

Programme & Project Support.

• Work closely with project teams to ensure purchased components are delivered in line with programme timing and customer requirements.
• Support APQP activities, PPAP submissions and supplier readiness for new product introductions.
• Coordinate engineering changes with suppliers, ensuring cost, timing and quality impacts are effectively managed.

Supplier Quality & Risk Management.

• Collaborate with Supplier Quality and Manufacturing teams to resolve quality concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor supplier capacity, financial stability and operational performance to minimise supply chain risk.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies where necessary to ensure continuity of supply.

Compliance & Reporting.

• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, customer requirements and automotive industry standards.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, contracts and supplier documentation within ERP systems.
• Produce purchasing reports, cost analyses and supplier performance metrics for senior management.

Experience & Qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related discipline (preferred).
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within the automotive industry.
• Proven experience purchasing automotive stamped components, pressings or metal stampings.
• Experience working within a Tier 1 or OEM automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong track record of supplier negotiations, cost reduction and supplier development.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of automotive stampings, tooling, presses and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent commercial negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Understanding of APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949 and automotive quality requirements.
• Experience using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or similar procurement platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret cost breakdowns and supplier quotations.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and international teams.

Fluent in Czech/Slovak and English language skills

For the right candidate, relocation and visa sponsorship is available, but only considered should you be Fluent in Czech/Slovak.