Senior Strategic Procurement Manager (f/m/x)

As a Senior Strategic Procurement Manager at AUTO1 Group, you will lead sourcing boards, manage the Source to Pay process, and align sourcing strategies with internal departments. Your role will involve contract management, creating guidelines, and executing category roadmaps. You’ll also evaluate savings potential across EU-level accounts and work in conjunction with vendors to foster strong partnerships.

To be considered for the Senior Strategic Procurement Manager role at AUTO1 Group, you should possess at least 5 years of procurement experience, preferably with expertise in categories such as IT and Marketing. A master’s degree is ideal, along with strong analytical skills and proficiency in English. German language skills would be an advantage.

AUTO1 Group promotes a strong work-life balance culture for its employees. As a Senior Strategic Procurement Manager, you will have the flexibility of working from home up to three days a week, along with 28 vacation days, ensuring that you have the leisure time you need to recharge and maintain a happy work-life equilibrium.

The Senior Strategic Procurement Manager position at AUTO1 Group stands out due to its emphasis on innovation and impact in one of the fastest-growing automotive companies in Europe. You'll have the opportunity to shape procurement strategies, implement new processes, and work within a diverse team of over 90 nationalities, making it a truly enriching experience.

At AUTO1 Group, we prioritize professional growth and development. As a Senior Strategic Procurement Manager, you will have the chance to take on challenging projects, work in a dynamic environment, and learn from experienced professionals. We encourage applicants to apply even if they don't meet 100% of the qualifications, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

When answering this question, highlight specific strategies you’ve implemented in previous roles, particularly any that relate to technology and automotive procurement. Discuss how these strategies optimized costs, improved supplier relationships, or contributed to operational efficiency.

An effective approach often involves regular communication and feedback, nurturing partnerships through collaboration, and negotiating fair terms. Illustrating past successes in building strong supplier relationships will demonstrate your capability in this area.

Use the STAR method to illustrate your experience with a sourcing project, detailing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Focus on your leadership role, the strategies you implemented, and how you measured the success of the project.

Mention specific tools you have proficiently used in procurement tasks such as Excel, ERP systems, or supply chain management software. Explain how these tools helped you streamline processes, analyze data, or enhance decision-making.

Talk about any professional networks, resources like industry publications, and conferences you engage with regularly. Keeping abreast of changes ensures that your strategies remain compliant and innovative.

Share a specific challenge you faced, how you addressed it, and what the outcome was. Highlight your problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to unforeseen obstacles in the procurement process.

Discuss key criteria such as quality, cost, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Explain how you determine the best fit for your company's needs and how this assessment can impact overall company performance.

Effective time management and prioritization are key. Explain how you assess urgency and importance, and perhaps give an example of a time when you successfully managed competing deadlines.

Outline the process of data analysis, stakeholder input, and benchmarking within the category. Emphasize the importance of aligning the roadmap with the company’s strategic goals and ensuring adaptability for future needs.

Discuss techniques like understanding supplier positions, conducting thorough market research, and preparing robust data to support your negotiation stance. Provide an example that showcases your negotiation skills in practice.