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Category Buyer

As a holder of the position you will be responsible to put in place and execute a purchasing strategy for all current and new parts belonging to your portfolio. You should manage parts under your responsibility with a help and support from your Category Manager/Direct Supervisor, within a frame of SCM business plan and use your creativity bringing with new methods material performance to the SCM overall result.

Your role

  • Negotiate all commercial terms with suppliers to drive year over year material cost improvement  to meet/exceed functional objectives

  • Collect all information including, volumes, prices, spec. other conditions for new projects as well as for all other running projects. Use this information as a basis for purchasing strategy and communicates this information to the finally selected supplier base

  • Monitor  quality of suppliers and support Supplier Development Group with problematic suppliers

  • Monitor market conditions for all cost drivers for your category (raw material, labor cost, logistics and freight, currency exchange) to adapt it in respective purchasing strategy, anticipate repercussions for the business, generate performance or build and implement mitigation plan

  • Plan, execute and monitor sourcing process for respective portfolio to ensure alignment with key programs requirements and customer milestones (cost, quality, timing)

Your Background

  • Master’s Degree from commercial or/and technical university, preferred mechanical/chemical/technical background

  • 3-5 years of purchasing experience,

  • Strong negotiation skills and excellent communication skills

  • High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others

  • Highly motivated / capable of operating with minimal guidance

  • Strategic planning and execution

  • Good knowledge of MS Office

  • English speaking

Why join us?

  • You can grow at Aptiv. Aptiv provides an inclusive work environment where all individuals can grow and develop, regardless of gender, ethnicity or beliefs.

  • You can have an impact. Safety is a core Aptiv value; we want a safer world for us and our children, one with: Zero fatalities, Zero injuries, Zero accidents.

  • You have support. We ensure you have the resources and support you need to take care of your family and your physical and mental health with a competitive health insurance package.

Your Benefits at Aptiv:

  • Private health care (Signal Iduna) and Life insurance for you and your beloved ones

  • Well-Being Program that includes regular webinars, workshops, and networking events

  • Hybrid work (min. 47 days/yr of remote work, flexible working hours)

  • Employee Pension Plan paid by the employer (you get + 3,5% on each gross salary)

  • Access to sports groups and Multisport card

Apply today, and together let’s change tomorrow!

#LI-PP1

Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: https://www.aptiv.com/privacy-notice-active-candidates

Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Average salary estimate

$50000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$40000K
$60000K

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What You Should Know About Category Buyer, Aptiv

If you are ready to take your purchasing expertise to new heights, our Category Buyer position at Aptiv in Krakow, Poland awaits you! In this exciting role, you will be at the forefront of developing and executing a robust purchasing strategy for various components belonging to your portfolio. You'll work closely with your Category Manager to manage your assigned parts while exploring innovative methods to enhance material performance. Your negotiation skills will shine as you tackle all commercial terms with suppliers, driving cost improvements year after year. Not only will you gather crucial data on volumes, prices, and specifications for both new and ongoing projects, but you'll also communicate this valuable information to select suppliers. Monitoring supplier quality will also be part of your day-to-day responsibilities, and you'll collaborate with our Supplier Development Group to address any challenges that arise. Keeping a pulse on market conditions—including cost drivers for your category—will be essential, as you'll need to adapt your purchasing strategy accordingly. With a Master’s Degree in a commercial or technical field and 3-5 years of purchasing experience, you’ll need strong negotiation and communication skills to thrive. At Aptiv, we provide a supportive, inclusive environment that values growth and development. If you are passionate about making a difference in the world, it's time to join us and help us create a safer future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Category Buyer Role at Aptiv
What are the responsibilities of a Category Buyer at Aptiv?

As a Category Buyer at Aptiv, you will be responsible for executing a purchasing strategy for components within your portfolio. This includes negotiating commercial terms with suppliers, monitoring supplier quality, and adjusting purchasing strategies based on market conditions. Additionally, you'll collect essential data for new and ongoing projects to ensure alignment with program requirements.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Category Buyer role at Aptiv?

To apply for the Category Buyer position at Aptiv, candidates should possess a Master’s Degree from a commercial or technical university, preferably with a background in mechanical or chemical engineering. Additionally, 3-5 years of purchasing experience is required, alongside strong negotiation and communication skills.

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How does the Category Buyer role at Aptiv support professional growth?

At Aptiv, the Category Buyer position is designed to foster professional growth through a supportive environment and numerous opportunities for development. Employees are encouraged to learn new methods, participate in well-being programs, and engage in workshops and networking events, all of which contribute to personal and professional growth.

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What benefits does Aptiv offer to Category Buyers?

Aptiv offers a competitive benefits package for Category Buyers including private health care, life insurance, a well-being program, hybrid work options, and an employee pension plan. These benefits are designed to support your physical and mental health, making Aptiv a great place to build your career.

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What qualities are essential for a successful Category Buyer at Aptiv?

To be successful as a Category Buyer at Aptiv, strong negotiation and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work autonomously with minimal guidance. Additionally, candidates should possess high interpersonal skills for effective collaboration, strategic planning capabilities, and a solid understanding of MS Office.

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Common Interview Questions for Category Buyer
Can you describe your experience with supplier negotiations as a Category Buyer?

In answering this question, focus on specific experiences where you successfully negotiated terms with suppliers. Share outcomes that illustrate how your negotiation skills resulted in cost reductions or improved supplier relationships.

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How do you monitor and analyze market conditions as a Category Buyer?

Discuss your approach to staying informed about market trends and cost drivers in your category. Mention tools or methods you utilize to gather data and how you integrate this information into your purchasing strategy.

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What strategies do you use to ensure supplier quality?

Explain your methodologies for assessing and monitoring supplier performance. Touch on how you collaborate with development teams to address quality issues and encourage improvement among suppliers.

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How do you prioritize your tasks as a Category Buyer?

Share your techniques for task prioritization, possibly including the use of project management tools or prioritizing based on deadlines and project impact. This will illustrate your strategic planning abilities.

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What challenges have you faced in procurement and how did you overcome them?

Provide examples of specific challenges you encountered in your previous roles related to procurement and detail the steps you took to overcome them, highlighting your problem-solving skills.

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Describe a time you implemented a new purchasing strategy successfully.

Detail an experience where you designed and executed a new purchasing strategy. Focus on the implementation process, any obstacles encountered, and the results achieved.

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What tools do you find most helpful in your role as a Category Buyer?

Discuss specific software or analytical tools you are comfortable working with, such as ERP systems or data analysis tools, and how they enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in procurement.

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How do you adapt your purchasing strategies based on supplier performance?

Explain your process for evaluating supplier performance and how this influences your purchasing decisions. Be specific about metrics you use and how you maintain strong supplier relationships.

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What role does teamwork play in your job as a Category Buyer?

Highlight the importance of teamwork in your role, discussing how you collaborate with various departments such as engineering, quality, and supply chain to achieve procurement objectives.

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Why do you want to work for Aptiv as a Category Buyer?

In your response, express your alignment with Aptiv's core values and mission, especially their focus on safety and innovation. Share how you see yourself contributing to and growing within the company.

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
April 15, 2025

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