Purpose of the Position: Develop and strengthen a competitive, resilient, and future-ready North American supply base by combining supplier development, supplier market intelligence, cost competitiveness analyses, and OEM benchmarking. The position supports strategic sourcing, localization, and supply chain decisions by providing deep market insights, identifying opportunities and risks, and driving long-term supplier performance and competitiveness. Monitoring an average annual purchasing portfolio of approximately USD 500M across 20 suppliers, the position ensures supply continuity, commercial performance, and long term strategic alignment Essential Functions: Key Objectives: - Build and maintain a strong, diversified, and sustainable North American supplier network - Support localization and sourcing strategies aligned with business and USMCA objectives - Generate actionable supplier market intelligence to support management and purchasing decisions - Identify cost optimization opportunities through market analysis, benchmarking, and should-cost assessments - Monitor supplier, industry, and geopolitical developments to proactively mitigate supply chain risks - Benchmark suppliers and sourcing approaches across major automotive OEMs to identify best practices and competitive advantages - Enhance supply chain resilience, competitiveness, and long-term business success through data-driven recommendations 'Supply Base Development (40%) • Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers in the NA region - also based on OEM benchmarks • Further develop existing suppliers regarding capacity, performance, and strategic direction • Support localization and resourcing projects in line with USMCA strategy • Work closely with operational purchasing, engineering, and quality on supplier assessments • Develop concepts to diversify the supply base and reduce single-source risks • Perform systematic benchmark analyses Cost Work (30%) • Support cost breakdowns, should-cost analyses, and benchmarks for selected commodities • Identify savings potentials • Assess raw material, energy, and labor cost developments in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in the context of market analysis • Coordinate closely with central purchasing functions in Germany Supplier Market Intelligence - North America (30%) • Continuously monitor, analyze, and assess the North American supplier market across all relevant commodities • Build and maintain a structured Market Intelligence framework (capacities, technologies, financial stability, ownership, footprints, M&A, investments) • Develop early-warning indicators for market shifts, consolidations, insolvency risks, and geopolitical influences • Produce market studies, commodity reports, and management summaries Perform safe work practices and participate in trainings and safety programs in a positive and proactive way by following safety rules, procedures, regulations, standards and laws. Report all unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and injuries to Management or Safety Department Work safely 100% of the time Perform other duties as required Qualifikationen QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Experience and Necessary Skills all must be met in order to qualify for position Education: This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations, Business Administration Management or related area or the equivalent combination of education and experience Experience: A minimum of three (3) years' of relevant professional experience in the following area(s):Procurement, Supplier Quality, Supplier Management function or related functions Necessary Skills, Certifications, etc.: • Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and cost structures • High proficiency in negotiation, cost analysis, and cross functional stakeholder management • Advanced skills in Excel and MS Office applications • Strong analytical skills, continuous improvement mindset, and proactive problem-solving ability Preferred Skills: German and/or Spanish language skills