Indirect and Services

Location City

Athens

Location Region

Attica

Location Country

Greece

Role also available in

Espoo, Finland

About u-blox

u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global technology leader in positioning and wireless communication in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Their smart and reliable solutions, services and products let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and secure data services and connectivity, u blox is uniquely positioned to empower its customers to develop innovative and reliable solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA. (www.u-)

Job Description

Global Category Manager - Indirect and Services

Responsible for managing supplier relationships, leading contract and price negotiations, and driving cost improvement initiatives across indirect categories. Oversees sourcing activities for IT software, production equipment, licenses, and services, with an annual spend of approximately CHF 15 million. Acts as lead user for sourcing-related IT tools and contributes to Procure-to-Pay process improvements.

This role reports to the Head of Sourcing and is available in Athens, Greece or Espoo, Finland (add your preferred location in the comment box of the application form).

Responsibilities,

General:

• Manage commercial relationships with suppliers
• Lead contract negotiations in collaboration with R&D, Business and Legal teams
• Conduct price negotiations to ensure cost-effectiveness
• Plan and execute cost improvement initiatives. And ensure Purchase Order Coverage high value and critical purchases
• Drive process improvements across sourcing operations and Procure-to-Pay

Indirect Material Management:

• Establish strategic partnerships with the stakeholders to optimize purchasing approaches.
• Engage with suppliers to secure best-value deals across a full range of indirect materials, goods, and services—including purchase request analysis, supplier selection, RFQs, contract management, and expediting

Process Improvement Initiatives:

• Actively contribute to the improvement of our Procure-to-Pay processes
• Serve as the lead user for IT tool implementations that support sourcing functions

Your Qualifications, Skills and Experience,

• University degree in Business or Engineering
• Minimum 5 years of relevant purchasing experience in a multinational environment
• Preferred purchasing categories include IT software, production equipment, and a range of licenses
• Familiarity with supplier management processes (qualification, monitoring, development). APICS certification or similar is a plus.
• Solid understanding of purchasing workflows (e.g., purchase requests, purchase orders)
• Proficient in negotiation tactics
• Knowledge of supplier management tools (e.g., Jaggaer, Ivalua), ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics, SAP), and PLM tools (e.g., PTC Windchill, ARAS), is a plus
• Strong communication skills - both verbal and written
• Fluent in English (proficiency in a second language is a plus)

Requirements,

• EU/EFTA citizen or resident with valid work permit for Greece

Perks and Benefits,

• A multicultural and international company with over 60 different nationalities
• Project-based activities working with colleagues distributed across the globe.
• A start-up and innovation mindset while in the process of scaling-up processes and efficiencies
• Modern offices located in Maroussi region with nearby Metro, Suburban and Bus lines
• Hybrid working model & flexible working hours
• Work from abroad days
• A strong learning environment and regular career discussions
• Bonus and Shares (RSUs plan)
• Medical/Life Insurance & Private Pension Plan
• Lunch allowance, parking lot or public transportation card
• Relocation package

… and discover even more by talking with us

Learn more about u-blox and its mission by reading here

Join a company that is customer-oriented, encourages creative thinking, looks for efficiency, fosters collaboration and team spirit, and upholds integrity and trust in all interactions. We see diversity as a strength and promote a culture of inclusion among our employees. Our varied backgrounds, ideas and experiences are critical to our success. We strive to become a strong learning organization and are committed to providing our employees with equal opportunities regardless of differences such as gender, race, ethnicity, generations, belief.

Applications Close Date

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Are you interested in this challenging position within an international work environment in a successful company? Apply now You will be working with a motivated team in an exciting technology.

We are looking forward to receiving your application.