Procurement Team Lead 80 - 100% (f/m/d)

The opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced procurement leader to strengthen our dedicated service team at Hitachi, Ltd., where speed and quality are of utmost importance. In this key position, you will lead strategic procurement initiatives, optimise procurement processes, and manage a talented team of around 12 procurement experts. Your expertise ensures fast and cost-efficient procurement of goods and services while maintaining the highest quality standards and fostering long-term, collaborative relationships with suppliers.

What you can achieve

• You will take on the leadership, promotion, and development of our procurement team and shape a performance-oriented and responsible corporate culture.

• You develop and implement innovative procurement concepts in line with our service strategy. You place particular emphasis on timely delivery, continuous quality improvement, increased supply chain efficiency, and sustainable cost reduction. Applying the critical path method to ensure punctual procurement processes and minimise delivery delays is one of your core tasks.

• You ensure consistent excellence throughout the entire procurement process – from requirements determination to payment – and ensure clear workflows and maximum transparency.

• You define and manage supplier segmentation and develop targeted procurement strategies. You are also responsible for supplier selection, qualification, and contract negotiations. By building strategic partnerships at leadership level and establishing robust supplier management systems with KPIs, scorecards, regular reviews, and escalation processes, you secure the sustainable performance of our supplier network.

• You work closely with cross-departmental teams such as material planning, engineering, quality, and controlling to align procurement optimally with company requirements.

• You manage procurement-related risks, including supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and compliance issues.

What you bring

• A completed degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or a comparable qualification with relevant professional experience.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in procurement or supply chain management or at least 3 years of leadership experience in a related field.

• Proven success in strategic procurement, negotiations, and supplier or customer management is advantageous.

• Excellent understanding of procurement processes, contract law, and supply chain principles.

• Strong analytical skills as well as problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Very good knowledge of procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba) and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, international environment and manage multiple priorities.

• Experience in manufacturing, technology, or industry is highly desirable.

More about us

Our flexible working models help you optimise personal and business performance and create an environment where all employees can develop and grow.

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The opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Procurement Team Lead to join our fast-paced service organisation at Hitachi, Ltd., where speed and quality are paramount. In this key leadership role, you will drive strategic sourcing initiatives, optimise procurement operations, and lead a talented team of approximately 12 procurement professionals. Your expertise will ensure the rapid and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, all while upholding the highest standards of quality and fostering strong, collaborative supplier relationships.

How you’ll make an impact

• Ready to lead and inspire a high-performing Procurement team? Drive innovation and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.

• Own procurement strategies that focus on on-time delivery, quality improvement, supply chain efficiency, and cost reduction. Apply critical path methodology to minimise delays and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Champion end-to-end procurement excellence, ensuring process discipline and transparency throughout.

• Optimise operational procurement processes and advance our systems for greater efficiency.

• Lead supplier management—segmentation, selection, qualification, contract negotiations, and strategic partnerships. Establish and drive supplier performance frameworks with KPIs, scorecards, and reviews.

• Present key reports on procurement performance, cost savings, and supplier outcomes to senior leaders.

• Manage procurement risks, including supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and compliance issues.

• Ensure ethical purchasing and corporate social responsibility across all activities.

Your background

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or a completed vocational training with relevant professional experience.

• 5 years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management or at least 3 years in a leadership position within in a related business.

• Proven track record of successful strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier or customer relationship management is a plus

• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, contract law, and supply chain principles.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities.

• Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba) and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment and manage multiple priorities.

• Experience in the manufacturing, technology, or industrial sectors is highly desirable.

More about us

Our flexible working practices help you optimise personal and business performance while creating an environment where all employees can develop their skills and grow.