Senior Buyer, Direct Material - Automotive Business Luchow

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 companies. The role you are applying for will be a part of the new company created from the Automotive business. This means you will have the opportunity to be a part of shaping a new company aimed at meeting the needs of the transforming global automotive market.   

Would you like to join us in shaping the future of motion? 

We are now looking for a …

Senior Buyer, Direct Material

- Automotive Business Luchow

The Direct Materials Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the supply of direct materials required for production. This role ensures material availability, optimal cost, quality compliance, and supplier performance. The Buyer collaborates closely with Production, Planning, Quality, Engineering, and global procurement teams to secure a reliable supply chain and support operational efficiency.

   
Key responsibilities

• Support the performance of the factory through competitive material cost, quality and on time deliveries
• Manage ETO (new projects) for both target costing and execution (samples for validation, PPAP orders, ramp-up and handover to Supply chain) in collaboration with Global Procurement.
• Support cost reduction planning and execution in close collaboration with ICR (Integrated Cost Reduction) teams
• Propose and drive “make or buy” projects based on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluation.
• Handle delivery issues, escalations such as quality issues etc. Be the main voice from towards the supplier in the region.
• Propose and participate regional/global strategic direct material sourcing projects.
• Lead local, and by Category manager delegated supplier and contract negotiations according to Legal rules
• Develop a local supply base if there are no global alternatives agreed on and be ultimately responsible for those strategies and suppliers.
• Lead factory supplier performance reviews
• Participate to factory strategic plans, sharing external supplier inputs and impacts.
• Establish business plan, forecast and standard cost calculations for direct material procurement of the factory.
• Support both internal and external audits when requested
• Ensure price lists and contracts updated and implemented in system
• Invoice management and P2P (Purchase to Pay) Process improvements

Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• 2–4 years of experience in procurement, preferably in direct materials within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience with global supply chains and strategic sourcing is a plus.

• Knowledge of procurement processes, negotiation, and supplier management.
• Proficiency with ERP systems
• Understanding of logistics, inventory management, and production planning.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proactive, organized, and results‑oriented mindset.

You will enjoy working here if you are …

• motivated by a fast‑paced automotive environment
• eager to learn and grow within a global procurement organization
• comfortable collaborating with international suppliers and cross‑functional teams

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 

 
Some additional information 

This position will be located in Luchow, Germany.

   
The role operates within a dual structure. The position reports to Peter R Johansson, EMEA Procurement Direct Material , who is located in Gothenburg, Sweden. While simultaneously being fully integrated into the Lüchow factory team, particularly within Supply Chain

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Anasthasie Bonhomme, recruiter, on Teams or by email

Please note that we can't accept applications via email. 
 

Is this you?  

If the answer is yes, submit your application with your CV and cover letter no later than the 7th of April.  We will screen candidates continuously throughout the application period, so make sure to submit your application as soon as possible.

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.