Strategic Purchasing Manager - Metals - Automotive Seals

Would you like to define and lead the global sourcing strategy for all metal topics in automotive seals, with a primary focus on metal sheet coils sourcing and stamping?

If so, you could be our new...

Strategic Purchasing Manager – Metals
Automotive Seals

As Strategic Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for all metal-related procurement topics for SKF Automotive Seals, with a core focus on metal sheet coils used in stamping. This role is positioned to define and set the global sourcing direction for SKF’s automotive factories, ensuring alignment with business needs, supplier capabilities and market dynamics. You will be part of the Value Chain Excellence Hub, collaborating cross-functionally to facilitate operational excellence, supplier integration and long-term value creation across the SKF Automotive Seals supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute global sourcing strategies for all metal categories, with a primary focus on metal sheet coils used in stamping, and coverage of other raw, semi-finished and finished metal products within Automotive Seals.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and negotiations; establish long-term agreements, manage RFQs and supplier selection to ensure resilience, innovation and competitive total cost.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships; leverage your industry network to drive capability improvements and compliance with SKF standards and performance across QCDIM (Quality, Cost, Delivery, Innovation, Management).
• Monitor market trends and raw material developments; perform cost benchmarking and risk assessments to secure supply stability for coils, sheets, inserts and related metal items.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing and regional procurement teams to solve problems, optimize costs and align materials and processes across global factories.
• Promote sustainability and digitalization in sourcing, including integrating CO₂ data into decisions and supporting SKF’s Net Zero roadmap.
• Establish and manage a global purchasing community to promote knowledge sharing, best-practice exchange and collaborative problem-solving.

 Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Management (Purchasing & Supply Chain)
• Some years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with demonstrable knowledge in metal sheet coils and stamping (core requirement).
• Practical experience in working with steel manufacturers, coil service centers, or stamping businesses, along with a well-established industry network for supplier development and market intelligence.
• Solid technical understanding of steel grades, mechanical properties, surface treatments and stamping process requirements.
• Demonstrated capability to convert strategic goals into concrete outcomes.
• Familiarity with ERP and procurement platforms (e.g. SAP).
• Experience in international sourcing and supplier development.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are considered as meritorious
• Availability to travel for short period

In SKF we are 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

You Will Enjoy Working With Us If You…

• Like taking initiative and navigating complex situations with confidence.
• Bring strong analytical and logical thinking skills.
• Can structure and prioritize both proactive and reactive tasks effectively.
• Combine solid business acumen with integrity, ethics and proficient negotiation skills.
• Have a continuous improvement mindset with a focus on optimization and digitalization.

Additional Information

The position is preferably based in one of SKF Automotive Seals main EMEA locations in Germany (Leverkusen) or Italy (Airasca, Villanova D'Asti) and offered as a local contract. Other global locations may be considered for exceptional candidates depending on profile and business alignment. You will report to the Value Chain Excellence Hub Manager, who is located in Austria.

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Simona Collino, Recruitment Expert IR Europe & Africa, on Teams/phone or at simona.collino@skf.com. Please note that we can't accept applications via email due to GDPR.

Is this you? 

If the answer is “Yes!”, please submit your application with CV and cover letter in English, no later than January, 30 2026.

Applications will be reviewed continuously throughout the opening period of the selection, so do not hesitate and submit your application as soon as possible!