Indirect Plant Purchasing Buyer - MRO & Cutting Tools

Role Overview

As an Indirect Purchasing Buyer, you will manage procurement activities for indirect goods and services—primarily MRO and cutting tools—across regional plant locations. Your mission is to streamline supply processes, consolidate spending, and implement strategic sourcing initiatives that enhance profitability and operational efficiency, all in alignment with corporate purchasing policies. Candidate Profile GKN is looking for a skilled and strategic professional with the following qualifications : Bachelor's degree in International Business, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field Fluent in English (written and spoken) Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience in the automotive sector preferably. Strong cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills Proven negotiation expertise Demonstrated success in cost reduction and process improvement initiatives Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and MRP systems. Key Responsibilities Manage the Request for Quotation (RfQ) process for purchases within regional thresholds, including supplier selection Negotiate shopping carts and create purchase orders within defined regional categories, value thresholds and adherence to corporate guidelines Set up new vendors and submit new contract approvals for negotiated agreements Identify cost-saving opportunities through demand bundling, supplier substitution, and negotiation of payment terms, delivery schedules, and warranty extensions Handle order confirmations for critical items (e.g., storeroom inventory), ensuring data accuracy and resolving discrepancies Lead escalation and problem-solving efforts to meet local operational goals Resolve invoice discrepancies related to pricing Oversee automated replenishment processes for coded materials Support the development and adoption of electronic catalogs to reduce manual order processing Mentor interns and support their development Analyze purchasing processes and data to recommend improvements Manage contracts and understand commercial terms relevant to the country of operation Address region-specific requirements such as tax regulations and contract compliance Collaborate with global and regional category teams