Global Lead Buyer & Regional Coordinator – Raw Materials Purchasing

Continental • Fort Mill, SC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

THE COMPANY Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets. Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2024, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.9 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 57,000 people worldwide and has 20 production and 16 development sites. Job Description HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT SG11/12 Key Responsibilities 1. Commodity & Strategy Management Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with Corporate Purchasing Lead global and regional negotiations, RFQs, contract awards, and implementation Secure short- and long-term supply at competitive total cost, quality, and innovation standards Conduct market and cost modeling analysis to support sourcing decisions and identify cost reduction and value creation initiatives 2. Supply Assurance & Raw Material Coordination Ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials for planned production across assigned global and regional portfolios Support forecasting, budgeting, material planning, and inventory optimization to meet inventory targets and KPIs Monitor supply chain for efficiency opportunities and partner with Logistics, R&D, Finance, and Manufacturing 3. Supplier Relationship Management & Development Manage assigned global and regional supplier relationships, including performance reviews and executive engagement Source, evaluate, onboard, and develop new suppliers within assigned material cluster Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) including segmentation and rationalization Lead quality issue resolution and escalation management in alignment with stakeholders Monitor and ensure communication of forecasts to suppliers 4. Market Intelligence & Risk Management Monitor macroeconomic and commodity market developments (feedstock trends, FX rates, inflation, regulatory changes, industry demand, regulations, market trends etc) Identify sourcing risks and opportunities Exchange regularly with Regional Management and Corporate Purchasing Support sustainability, compliance, and corporate initiatives (eg conflict minerals, environmental programs) 5. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Leadership Serve as regional ambassador for Corporate Purchasing strategy and support plant purchasing teams on sourcing strategies Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, Quality, Legal, and ISCM (Inbound Supply Chain Management) to drive value and operational excellence Coordinate activities within the regional raw material cluster and represent Procurement in management forums 6. Reporting & Systems Governance Maintain material and supplier databases as needed for price tracking, and procurement systems (SAP, sourcing tools, savings trackers) Report savings, action plans, performance metrics, and provide input on raw material costs for P&L rollup and budgeting Ensure compliance with all company and Corporate Purchasing policies 7. Additional Responsibilities Participate in audits and assessments to ensure quality supply standards Travel approximately 10-20% (international included) Execute projects as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management)
• Strong analytical and cost optimization skills with proficiency in data analysis
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent negotiation and contract management capabilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders
• Experience with multinational organizations and matrix organizations
• Legal Authorization to work in the US is required. We will only sponsor current Continental employees for employment visas now or in the future for this job opening.
• Continental is able to pay relocation expenses for this opportunity.

Nice To Haves

• 7+ years of professional experience (3+ preferred in procurement, buying, sales, or supply chain management)
• 3+ years of experience in global sourcing or multi-regional procurement coordination
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing procurement teams or cross-functional projects
• Familiarity with sustainability and environmental compliance standards in procurement
• Experience in manufacturing or raw materials / commodity procurement

Responsibilities

• Commodity & Strategy Management
• Supply Assurance & Raw Material Coordination
• Supplier Relationship Management & Development
• Market Intelligence & Risk Management
• Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Leadership
• Reporting & Systems Governance
• Participate in audits and assessments to ensure quality supply standards
• Travel approximately 10-20% (international included)
• Execute projects as assigned

Benefits

• Immediate Benefits
• Robust Total Rewards Package
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Programs
• Employes 401k Match
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.
• Hybrid Work
• Employee Assistance Program
• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level