Strategic Buyer

ZEISS Group

. Take responsibility for the strategic management of a dedicated procurement category .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeDublin • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $77,000 - $96,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic procurement management, supplier selection, and negotiation, with a strong focus on cost analysis and continuous improvement. Proficient in SAP for materials management and skilled in building relationships with stakeholders across various organizational levels.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Procurement ManagementSupplier Selection and QualificationSAP Experience in Materials ManagementNegotiation SkillsProject Management Capability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Purchasing ExperienceAnalytical CapabilityFinancial AssessmentTotal Cost of Ownership EvaluationStrategic Procurement MethodsContinuous Improvement PracticesData ManagementCost-Driver ModelingMarket AnalysisContractual Negotiation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCollaborationStakeholder ManagementWritten CommunicationVerbal Communication

Tools & Technologies

SAPMicrosoft Office

Industry Keywords

High-Technology SystemsComplex PartsSupply Chain MitigationSupplier Discrepancy ResolutionMaterials Management Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Take responsibility for the strategic management of a dedicated procurement category
Develop and implement cross-site category strategies across the USA, Germany, UK, Italy, China, and India
Conduct global market analyses and manage supplier selection, qualification, and performance
Monitor industry trends and supplier and market risks, initiating supply-chain mitigation measures
Identify and develop new suppliers and propose alternative materials, technologies, or manufacturing processes
Lead national and international commercial and contractual negotiations
Resolve supplier discrepancies relating to quality, delivery, price, or service
Develop product cost-driver and total-cost models to benchmark, evaluate, and negotiate prices
Establish and maintain purchased-product costs, source data, and outline agreements in SAP
Lead continuous-improvement initiatives and contribute to procurement policies, procedures, KPIs, materials-management systems, and digital tools
Collaborate with operational procurement, NPI project buying, manufacturing, quality, project management, and other business partners
Build supplier and internal stakeholder relationships and communicate with ZEISS leaders at all organizational levels

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least three years of relevant purchasing experience in one or more technical categories
Strong technical understanding of the assigned category, high-technology systems, and complex parts
Analytical and financial capability to assess suppliers and evaluate total cost of ownership
Strong negotiation skills and sound knowledge of commercial law, contracts, and agency principles
Proven project-management capability and solid command of strategic procurement methods and continuous-improvement practices
At least one year of SAP experience, preferably in Materials Management
Proficient use of Microsoft Office
Ability to manage large data sets and synthesize and present decision-relevant information
Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Customer-focused mindset and confidence engaging across leadership levels
Initiative, creativity, and persistence in developing and implementing new ideas and solutions
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
Fluency in English
Occasional travel to headquarters in southern Germany or international suppliers, up to 20%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Performance bonus or sales commissions
Medical plans
Vision
Dental
401k matching
Employee Assistance Programs
Vacation and sick pay
Retirement savings plan
Paid time off