Strategic Category Buyer – Mechanical category
Ref. PL25- R802 – S02
Location: mazowieckie / 100 % on site (frequent travel across Poland)
Industry: Advanced defence technologies
Our Client: operates in the fast-evolving defence business area and is currently undergoing a major transformation of its procurement function. With several production facilities across Poland and a growing international footprint, the company is investing in modernizing processes and building a centralized, professional sourcing structure.
This newly created role is part of a broader shift towards category-driven procurement with clear strategic goals and cross-plant cooperation.
Position Overview
Reporting directly to CPO you will manage the Mechanical category (aluminium enclosures) in the plant with an annual budget of approx. PLN 100 million. Initial focus on plant-level category management; future scope will cover all group sites across Poland with APV around PLN 300 million.
Key Responsibilities
- Build execute a group-wide category strategy for assigned category
- Collect and analyse data to support category planning, supplier segmentation, and decision-making
- Build and develop the supplier base, including audit and qualification processes.
- Consolidate the supplier base and standardize commercial terms across business units
- Lead the full Source-to-Contract (StC) process: supplier identification, RfX, evaluation, negotiations, contracting, and onboarding
- Organize tenders and competitive bidding processes in alignment with internal procedures
- Negotiate long-term agreements and commercial conditions with key suppliers
- Monitor and assess supplier performance, ensuring alignment with service-level expectations and technical requirements
- Identify and mitigate risks related to global supply chains, raw material pricing, and availability
- Propose and implement procurement process improvements and cost-optimization initiatives
- Act as the single point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding category specific procurement matters
- Collaborate with production and technical teams to align on specifications and priorities.
- Monitor supplier performance and address capacity constraints or quality issues.
- Work with operational buyers to ensure timely order placement and delivery planning.
- Track market developments, pricing trends, and innovations in the electronics category
- Ensure achievement of procurement KPIs
- Oversee compliance with technical specifications and internal policies
- Travel regularly to production sites and suppliers and attend relevant trade fairs and supplier meetings
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- % of supplier base secured with signed contracts
- On-Time In-Full delivery rate (OTIF)
- Quality compliance rate
- Cost efficiency metrics
Qualifications & Profile
- Minimum 5 years in procurement or category management for mechanical components.
- Experience with technical documentation review (CNC machining, galvanizing, anodizing, painting).
- Hands-on experience in Source-to-Contract activities
- Proven track record in supplier audits, RFQ management, and contract implementation.
- Familiarity with SAP systems and advanced Excel skills.
- Strong analytical mindset and data-driven approach to decision-making
- Ability to realistically assess risks, situations and supplier capabilities
- University degree in mechanical engineering, supply chain, or related field.
- Fluency in Polish and English (C1), driving license category B.
Soft Skills:
- Strategic thinking skills with the ability to connect data and long-term planning
- High stress tolerance and emotional resilience.
- Assertiveness and ability to defend viewpoints effectively.
- Result-oriented with strong focus on KPIs.
- Curiosity and persistence to get to the root of issues.
- Strong communication skills – confident and proactive in stakeholder interaction
- Willingness to travel regularly and build cross-site alignment
Why Apply?
- Strategic role with real category ownership
- Direct collaboration with a transformation-focused procurement leadership team.
- Impactful opportunity to professionalize processes and ensure assurance of supply in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Attractive compensation package: competitive gross salary, annual bonus, company car, private healthcare, life insurance, extra leave and Multisport.
If you wish to apply, than send us your CV in English to: agnieszkapiatkowska@e-bigfish.com
Please introduce in your CV the following clause:
"I hereby agree to the processing of personal data included in my application for the needs necessary to carry out the recruitment process carried out by Big Fish Polska Sp. z o.o in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 lit. a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation). I also consent to processing of my personal data for the purposes of any future recruitment processes.