Category Buyer, Direct Procurement

Do you dare to lead the digital transformation to create a more sustainable world? ð³Schneider Electric
- We are your Energy Technology Partner.
We electrify, automate, and digitalize every industry, business, and home, driving efficiency and sustainability for all.
At Schneider Electric, our values – IMPACT (Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork) – are the foundation of everything we do. Becoming an Impact Maker means turning sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization.
Are you ready to lead the digital transformation to create a more sustainable world?If you are up to challenge your creativity and make an impact, we are excited to welcomeyouCategory Buyer | Universal EnclosuresAbout the RoleJoin a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where the agility of a small company meets the strength and global reach of Schneider Electric.
As a Category Buyer, you will be responsible for securing the best Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) conditions for a portfolio of components supplied to multiple Universal Enclosures manufacturing plants across Europe. Working within an international procurement organization, you will play a key role in supplier management, strategic sourcing, cost optimization, and business continuity.
You will be part of a collaborative team of 10 procurement professionals, contributing to Schneider Electric's purchasing strategy and supplier performance objectives.

Key Responsibilities
Aligned with Schneider Electric's Procurement Strategy, you will drive supplier performance and implement sustainable cost optimization initiatives while ensuring business continuity.
Supplier Management & Strategic SourcingManage operational relationships with assigned suppliers and foster sustainable competition within the supplier panel.
Lead Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes and select suppliers in alignment with commodity strategies.
Drive supplier consolidation plans while mitigating business and supply chain risks.
Act as the first escalation point for supplier crisis management.
Negotiation & Cost OptimizationLead or participate in annual negotiations with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives, including Value Engineering (QVE) and Change of Source (COS) projects.
Ensure achievement of annual productivity and procurement performance targets.
Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate closely with Marketing, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams.
Support strategic supplier initiatives and procurement transformation projects.
Contribute to procurement tools and databases by ensuring data accuracy and availability.
Supplier LeadershipWhen acting as a Schneider Supplier Leader (SSL), lead global supplier strategies, including:Global negotiationsShould-Cost analysisLean manufacturing initiativesSupplier performance improvement plansRequired SkillsEducationMaster's Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field with at least 3 years of purchasing experience.
Alternatively, an Engineering degree combined with procurement experience.
LanguagesFluent English (mandatory).
Spanish (mandatory).
French is highly desirable.
Technical CompetenciesStrong negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
Purchasing expertise including:Cost analysisMarket analysisSupplier performance managementAdvanced Excel and analytical skills.
Knowledge of procurement digital tools and platforms (RPA, e-Sourcing, SRM, SupplierOn, Prism, Tableau, etc.).
Understanding of contract management, legal frameworks, and risk assessment.
Financial acumen and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis.
Knowledge of Quality and Supply Chain processes.
Leadership & Behavioral CompetenciesStrong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work effectively with plant leadership teams and international stakeholders.
Excellent organizational, communication, and prioritization skills.
Strong analytical thinking with the ability to translate data into actionable plans.
Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to perform under pressure.
High level of autonomy, adaptability, and decision-making capability.
Why Join This Opportunity?Work in a highly international environment supporting multiple manufacturing plants across Europe.
Gain exposure to strategic procurement and supplier negotiations at a global level.
Be part of a fast-paced and complex industrial environment where your impact is visible.
Collaborate with senior stakeholders and procurement leaders across Schneider Electric.
Contribute directly to business performance, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience.
Additional InformationInternational exposure with regular interaction across several European countries.
Frequent supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing activities.
Business travel required: approximately 10% to 20% of working time.
Experience in an international manufacturing environment is highly valued.
Ideal candidate profile includes