At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in direct procurement, ensuring timely material availability and optimising inventory.
- Company: Join KUKA, a global leader in automation and robotics with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is key at KUKA; we celebrate individuality and empower our team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automation industry while fostering innovation and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 3+ years of procurement experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Discover your impact with KUKA. KUKA offers an enormous spectrum of possibilities to advance your career, live your passions and unlock your potential. We’re one of the world's leading automation specialists, offering global opportunities in areas such as robotics, automation, logistics, software solutions and electronics. If you’re a go-getter, a visionary with bold ambitions and a believer in collaboration and mutual respect, then you're poised for success here at KUKA.
Make an impact
- Ensure the continuous availability of materials required for production, guaranteeing delivery in the right time, quantity, and quality.
- Lead, supervise, and develop the daily operations of the direct procurement team in line with the Head of Procurement’s guidance and company objectives.
- Manage HR-related topics (performance reviews, employee development, talent management) and provide input for cost and investment planning to the Head of Direct Procurement.
- Define and continuously improve the disposition strategy, while supervising inventory to maintain the balance between optimal material availability and minimal stock levels.
- Conduct negotiations with suppliers and support buyers as the first point of escalation.
- Participate in supplier visits when required and provide operational data and insights to support the Head of Procurement.
- Prepare reports and analyses, and take responsibility for monitoring and achieving KPIs at both individual and team levels.
What you need to succeed
- University or college degree.
- At least 3 years of experience in procurement.
- Ability to perform demand-based planning and scheduling with strong analytical thinking.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strategic and innovative mindset.
- Strong cost awareness.
- SAP system knowledge.
- Fluent English skills with negotiation-level proficiency.
Our promise to you
Our culture is deeply rooted in our passion to make robotics and automatic solutions accessible and easy to use. The result? We make peoples’ lives easier and safer, across the world. Diversity is the beating heart of our company - and we appreciate every single one of our bright and bold brainiacs. We encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work, fostering an environment where inspiration, expertise, and personal growth can flourish. Our collective goal? To achieve greatness and ignite innovative, positive change - not only within the automation industry but also beyond its boundaries. And in return, we prioritize creating a supportive, empowering, and caring environment for all.
Perks and benefits
As part of our commitment to the well-being of our employees, we offer a range of comprehensive perks and benefits. From competitive salary packages to flexible work schedules, and professional development opportunities, we aim to provide a holistic approach to employee satisfaction. We believe in recognizing and appreciating the hard work and dedication of our workforce, and our perks reflect this commitment. Our goal is to create a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and inspired to contribute their best.
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) statement
Our core belief is in treating each other with kindness, an open mind, and mutual respect, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. KUKA is a company committed to equal opportunities. We manage every application with meticulous care and consideration - with a decision-making process that pays no heed to your origin, educational background, age, gender, sexual orientation, or your religious or political beliefs. If you join KUKA, you will have ample opportunities to share what motivates you and what defines your individuality.
Join the journey!
If you think a career with KUKA could be what you are looking for, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking forward to receiving your application!
Direct Purchasing Team Leader employer: KUKA
KUKA is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for Buyers to thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, KUKA offers comprehensive training programs and opportunities to engage in innovative projects within the Robotics business unit. Located in a dynamic environment, employees benefit from competitive compensation, a commitment to safety and quality, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Purchasing Team Leader
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like KUKA.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Purchasing Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to KUKA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to KUKA. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like KUKA.
How to prepare for a job interview at KUKA
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at KUKA!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at KUKA. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into KUKA's culture.
