EMEA Regional Category Manager Plastic & Seals - Automotive Business

SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world’s largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. Our products can be found literally everywhere in society. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world.

In September of 2024, SKF announced the separation of its Automotive business, with the objective to build two world-leading businesses. The role you are applying for will be a part of the new organization created from the Automotive business. This means you will have the opportunity to be a part of shaping a new business aimed at meeting the needs of the transforming global automotive market.     
Are you engaged to work for an important Category within Automotive Procurement?  Do you have experience in Purchasing or other function with suppliers interaction? Are you ready to build a strong suppliers relationship within automotive industry? 

Then you could be our next...  
 

EMEA Regional Category Manager Plastic & Seals – Automotive Business

As the Regional Category Manager you will be active part in developing the Plastic & Seals category strategies, supporting strategic sourcing and resourcing projects, securing long term development of suppliers. You will work closely with suppliers and manage of supplier relationship management (SRM).
You will balance regular contacts with suppliers and with the EMEA Automotive Factories for all matters related to components of the categories such as price list updating, delivery issue and potential shortage, new product introduction. You will also regularly part of Global Category Follow up with the other Regional Category Managers from India, APAC, Americas to share and learn best practice for the category performance and control.

Key responsibilities  

• Support Global Category Manager in developing the category strategies.
• Analyze category spend data to find opportunities for cost reduction, supplier panel consolidation or rationalization in close relation with the Global Category Manager.
• Commercial relationships and contract management, price list updating and take part of negotiation with the Global Category Manager in accordance with business plan expected results.
• Identify opportunities to increase value and drive cost down with joint cost workshops. Facilitate innovation and continuous cost improvement.
• Continuously interact with Supplier quality development team and Supply Chain team to contribute to the needed improvement of supplier quality and delivery performance
• Ensure suppliers operations according to the SKF Code of Conduct, Environment Health & Safety (EHS), and Quality Policies, and work according to the SKF Quality Management System. If the operation is EHS certified, work according to the SKF EHS Management System.

We expect you to have

• Degree in Engineering (preferably Industrial, Mechanical, Management).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate as an effective team member.
• Good communication skills
• Good analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
• Strategic thinking combined with result orientation
• Proficiency in main Microsoft applications: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI
• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is required.
• A few years of experience in Purchasing or function with supplier contact is beneficial, but not essential.
• Willingness to travel.

SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we firmly believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued success. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential. Come as you are – just be yourself. #weareSKF

Our offer
In this role, you will work in multicultural and motivated environment! And you will work alongside some of the most skilled professionals in the automotive industry with many opportunities to grow and build your career!

Some additional information
This position can be located in any Automotive site EMEA, as Airasca, Italy – Schweinfurt or Luechow, Germany – Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France – Gothenburg, Sweden, on local contract. 
You will report to the Global Category Manager Plastic & Seals, who is located in Italy, Airasca.

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Simona Collino, Recruitment Expert EMEA, at simona.collino@skf.com.  Please note that we can't accept applications via email.

At SKF, we are committed to promoting fairness and inclusivity throughout our recruitment process. To achieve this, we may include assessments and verify the information in your application in compliance with country-specific laws and regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the recruiter.
 

Is this you? 
If the answer is yes, submit your application - in English - no later than May 16th, 2025.

Candidates will hear from us shortly after the final application date.