Job Description

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

Brief Role Description

To ensure that all Goods and Services for VW especially but not limited to marketing and sales related services with an annual value of approximately $30+ million are effectively and efficiently procured in a manner which meets all legal, ethical, and VW Group Sourcing process guidelines

The role will establish and maintain relationships with Business Units and suppliers to aid in determining the most appropriate and cost efficient solutions based on business needs.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Strategic Commodity Sourcing (70%)

Lead buyer for marketing and sales related services

• Develop and execute category management strategies cooperatively with VW business units to maximize commercial leverage
• Assist in developing specifications, bid terms and contractual language for competitive bid processes according to the VW Group purchasing standards
• Develop and implement pricing and commercial term negotiation strategies
• Evaluate bids, negotiate terms & pricing, and present recommended supplier to sourcing committees
• Document sourcing activities through VW Group global purchasing system “GLOBE”
• Provide resolution of purchasing-related problems with other functions within VWGoA and VW Group companies
• Maintain current project tracking system that can be easily accessed and understood in buyer’s absence
• Coordinate Purchasing activities and benchmark globally with other VW Group Purchasing colleagues

Supplier Management (10%)

• Analyze supply base and competition with reference to price, capacity, and quality as well as monitor the integration of current and potential suppliers in order to establish a sound supplier base
• Assist supplier registration process on VWGroupSupply.com database

Strategic Activities and Projects (20%)

• Identify opportunities for process improvement
• Initiate & implement special strategic Purchasing projects & Cost reduction initiatives
• Train other buyers on proper process and procedure, providing direction and guidance as needed

Qualification requirements

Required

• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels within the organization and with outside vendors / suppliers
• Flexibility and professionalism in dealing with suppliers and internal customers
• Ability to manage collaborative strategic procurement projects across multiple brands, business units and/or affiliate locations
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong verbal & written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Strong Proficiency in MS Office programs (especially Excel)Proficiency in MS Office programs (especially Excel)
• Proven negotiation and problem solving skills

Desired

• German language capability
• Ability to network across cultures/languages
• Experienced in data-driven decision analysis
• Change management & Project Management experience
• Global automotive procurement experience
• SAP Knowledge

Skills

• Logistics
• Supplier Management
• Reliability (Behavior)
• Business Requirement Management
• Negotiation Skills
• Strategic Thinking
• Contract Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Category Management
• Problem Solving

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.