Global Lead Buyer Mechanics (f/m/x)

Shaping medical innovation at ZEISS

For more than 100 years, ZEISS Medical Technology has been driving progress in ophthalmology and microsurgery. In ophthalmology, our solutions help maintain and improve people's vision at every stage of life. In microsurgery, our solutions enable highly precise interventions so that small and sensitive organs continue to function optimally. Our technologies support medical professionals worldwide in improving patients’ lives – the direct impact of our work on people’s well‑being is what drives us every day.

As part of our Global Series Procurement – Direct Materials team, you will be responsible for securing the supply of mechanical components for our medical devices and systems. You will drive cost efficiency, lead continuous improvement initiatives and negotiate strategic contracts in a global, high‑tech environment. You will join a team of Global Lead Buyers , based in Oberkochen and Jena . In this role, you will work closely with ZEISS locations in Oberkochen, Jena, Suzhou, Zuidland and Berlin and act as a visible partner to management at different levels.

Your Role

• Manage strategic international purchasing with a main focus on mechanical components for series production
• Ensure uninterrupted global supply for your assigned product groups and drive sustainable cost and condition improvements
• Develop and manage suppliers, including performance reviews, risk and escalation management and long‑term supplier development
• Lead and execute complex contract negotiations (purchase, delivery and service contracts) and actively contribute to contract drafting and optimization
• Lead cross‑functional and international teams (e.g. task forces, project teams across sites) to resolve supply issues and implement preventive measures
• Contribute to and implement category strategies and translate them into concrete projects and actions
• Analyze prices, cost structures, delivery performance and risks and derive specific optimization measures
• Prepare and present decision papers and status reports for Procurement Management and steering committees – including regular participation in management boards
• Represent ZEISS in meetings and negotiations with suppliers, including national and international business trips
• Work with SAP MM, MS Excel and reporting tools, maintain relevant master data where required and support KPI reporting and process optimization
• Support and mentor trainees, students and apprentices in the procurement area and contribute to a strong, collaborative team culture

Your Profile

• A completed 4‑year university degree (e.g. master’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering, logistics, commerce or a comparable field)
• 5+ years of professional experience in strategic purchasing across at least different product groups, ideally in a technologically sophisticated and/or regulated environment (e.g. medical devices, automotive, aerospace, high‑tech manufacturing)
• A distinct strategic mindset and proven experience in strategy development and implementation in procurement or category management
• Demonstrated leadership experience, for example in leading task forces or smaller international, cross‑site project teams
• Proven negotiation strength and assertiveness, with a strong track record in demanding, international purchasing and contract negotiations
• Extensive experience in supplier management, escalation management, contract negotiations and contract drafting
• Business fluent English skills and very good German skills (min. C level), enabling confident communication and presentations at management level
• Strong IT skills: in particular SAP MM, very good Excel skills and solid experience with reporting tools
• A pronounced technical interest and the ability to understand mechanical products and production contexts beyond pure commercial aspects
• Excellent communication skills, team orientation and the ability to build trustful relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• High stress resilience, a positive mindset, humor, as well as initiative, creativity and strong prioritization and time‑management skills
• Willingness to travel up to globally and to work predominantly on‑site in Oberkochen (with regular visits to Jena)

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team

Ramazan Azgin