Strategic Buyer - Metal (M/F/D)

Our client, a leading organisation within the manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer for Metals to join their procurement team in Frankfurt. This role is critical in managing key supplier relationships, optimising cost structures, and ensuring a reliable supply of metals and machined components essential to production.

The ideal candidate will bring deep category knowledge in metals, machined parts, or CNC components , along with a strong track record in strategic sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for metals and machined/CNC parts to support long-term business goals.
• Lead the strategic sourcing process, including market analysis, RFI/RFP management, supplier selection and negotiation.
• Build, maintain, and optimise relationships with key suppliers to ensure high performance, cost competitiveness, and long-term reliability.
• Conduct total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality or delivery.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, and production teams to understand technical requirements and forecast demand.
• Monitor market trends, commodity price developments, supply risks, and capacity constraints within metals categories.
• Support the implementation of contract frameworks and ensure compliance with internal procurement policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base to enhance quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
• Lead supplier performance reviews, focusing on KPIs such as on-time delivery, cost, quality, and innovation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of strategic purchasing experience within the metals, machined parts, or CNC components categories .
• Strong understanding of commodity markets, metal fabrication processes, and machining/CNC manufacturing principles.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's is a plus).
• Experience working in the manufacturing sector; exposure to international supply chains preferred.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and tools (e.g., SAP, ERP platforms).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication skills in English; German fluency is required .