Job Description
Working at Watlow
Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.
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We are hiring a: Senior Purchasing Specialist
Location: Lędziny, Poland
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Working model: 4 days in the office, 1 day of home office per week
About the role
We are looking for a candidate who can independently manage the procurement of direct and indirect production materials, build long-term supplier relationships, and confidently handle complex supply challenges. In this role, you will work closely with a network of suppliers, including electrical component manufacturers and distributors, to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality materials.
What You’ll Do
• Own end-to-end purchasing activities for direct and indirect production materials, ensuring orders are placed and tracked in line with company procedures and spending authorization levels.
• Monitor supplier delivery and quality performance (notably OTIF), identify root causes of disruptions, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead supplier communications and escalations - including expedites, partial deliveries, and recovery plans - and run regular supplier meetings to keep corrective actions on track.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with internal departments to resolve supply issues, and support cost settlements, technical changes, and product lifecycle management.
• Balance inventory levels against production continuity needs and keep logistics data in Oracle accurate and up to date.
• Prepare and negotiate RFQs for indirect materials, analyzing supplier offers.
• Analyze operational data and report key purchasing indicators (OTIF, inventory levels, supplier performance) to identify risks and trends.
What You’ll Need To Succeed
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Logistics, Economics, Management, or a related field.
• Several years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, including independently leading supplier negotiations and managing supply chain disruptions.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, alongside effective communication in supplier-facing situations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Good command of MS Office.
• English at a level that allows for confident business communication.
• Experience working with electrical suppliers is a strong plus, as is working knowledge of Oracle and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Openness to using AI tools in daily work is a plus.
Why Join Watlow’s team
• Employment contract (umowa o pracę).
• Benefits package, including a sports card, life insurance, private medical care.
• The opportunity to grow expertise and take ownership within an international organization.
• An independent role with real impact on supply continuity and plant operations.
Join Watlow in Europe and help create innovative industrial thermal solutions as part of international, cross functional teams supporting diverse applications worldwide.
Diversity & Inclusion
We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
