Procurement Team Leader & Supply Chain Center of Excellence
KOSTAL Group is a global, independent, family-owned company, based in Germany. We develop and manufacture technologically complex electronic and mechatronic products for automotive and other industries. We employ more than 20.000 people at 46 locations, offering flexible, knowledgeable and customer-focused service. Shared Services Center provides internal IT and other services to the company's subsidiaries globally.
Description
Overall Purpose of the Role
As the Procurement Team Leader & Supply Chain Center of Excellence, you will be at the forefront of driving our digital transformation journey within our global procurement and supply chain organization. You will lead a high-performing team dedicated to process excellence, digitalization, and cross-functional improvement. Collaborating closely with the Head of Global Procurement & Supply Chain Excellence – Digitalization & Systems, you will play a critical role in enhancing our processes, systems, and organizational capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, inspire, and develop the CoE team to deliver outstanding results and foster a culture of continuous professional growth and collaboration.
- Create an engaging and supportive work environment that encourages innovation.
Digitalization & Transformation
- Manage and execute digitalization and transformation projects across Procurement & Supply Chain, from conception to successful delivery.
- Oversee all phases of project planning, execution, progress tracking, and stakeholder coordination.
Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Ensure clear, consistent, and targeted communication, including management-ready reporting and structured updates.
- Align stakeholders on key initiatives and drive buy-in for project objectives and outcomes.
Resource & Capacity Planning
- Oversee effective resource and capacity planning within the CoE to ensure efficient allocation of tasks and projects.
Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Champion best practices in procurement and supply chain processes, supporting operational teams in driving continuous improvement.
- Lead and support process standardization, documentation, and capability development.
Strategic Partnership
- Serve as a trusted partner to the Head of Global Procurement & Supply Chain Excellence – Digitalization & Systems, ensuring strong alignment with strategic priorities.
Project Leadership
- Take full ownership of dedicated digitalization projects, acting as the responsible project lead.
Operational Support
- Develop strong relationships with internal “customers” and stakeholders.
- Support the annual budget process as required.
- Address ad-hoc queries from key stakeholders promptly and effectively.
Qualifications
Requirements & Qualifications
- University or college degree in Economics or Engineering.
- Strong affinity for end-to-end production processes (S2C, P2P, supply planning, warehouse and goods receipt, master data such as BOM).
- 4–6 years of operational procurement experience (production or non-production), ideally gained in on-site/plant environments and Shared Service Centers (SSC).
- Minimum 2–3 years in building or managing centralized purchasing functions, preferably within a service center.
- At least 3–5 years of managerial experience, leading and developing teams.
- Demonstrated experience in service-driven, customer-oriented environments (SSC experience highly regarded).
- Proven track record of successful process migrations.
- Strong expertise in change management and process implementation.
- Experience in process standardization and documentation is advantageous.
- Exceptional project management and multi-project leadership skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.
- Advanced user of MS Excel (including basic formulas and pivot tables).
- Proficiency in SAP and S4/HANA is preferred.
- Fluent in English.
- German language skills are an advantage.
This is a unique opportunity to be a catalyst for digital and operational excellence in a global setting. If innovation, leadership, and process improvement are your passion, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact.
Benefits
What we offer
- Flexible working arrangements, including the possibility for remote work (occasional in-person attendance required)
- Opportunities for professional growth through engaging work, including the development and implementation of innovative processes and tools
- Convenient office location within a modern business facility
- Comprehensive benefits package, featuring private health insurance, sports memberships, flexible monthly allowances, special occasion bonuses, performance-based incentives, and more