Senior Buyer – Indirect Procurement

About the role

The Senior Buyer for Indirect Procurement will lead end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives for a range of commodities, ensuring optimal commercial outcomes while adhering to corporate governance. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to clarify requirements and drive strategic sourcing decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the full sourcing cycle – from requirement review and RFQ release to offer evaluation, negotiation, approval and PO coordination.
• Lead complex, high‑value sourcing projects involving multiple stakeholders, ambiguous requirements, limited supplier options, or tight delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with user departments to refine business requirements, ensuring clear scope, KPIs, SLAs, warranties, payment terms and other commercial conditions before RFQ issuance.
• Prepare detailed commercial evaluations, including price comparisons, total‑cost analysis, budget checks and benchmarking.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies, covering target setting, cost‑breakdown analysis, supplier positioning and optimization of price, payment terms, penalties and warranties.
• Produce sourcing recommendations and presentations for approval forums, clearly documenting rationale, savings, risks and options.
• Present procurement topics in approval committees (ISC, RSC, CSC) and incorporate feedback promptly.
• Mentor Buyers and Junior Buyers on complex cases, reviewing strategy, analysis and documentation quality.
• Ensure compliance with procurement governance, audit requirements and VW Group policies.
• Support the Category Manager/HOD in stakeholder management, escalations and act as backup for critical procurement activities.

Required profile

• Proven experience in indirect procurement or strategic sourcing, preferably in an automotive or large‑scale industrial environment.
• Strong analytical abilities with a focus on commercial evaluation and cost optimization.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of procurement governance, audit compliance and corporate policies.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and deliver results under pressure.

Required skills