Senior Buyer - Electronic Components

Role purpose

The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading procurement activities for assigned electronic component categories , ensuring optimal supplier selection, cost competitiveness, business continuity, and alignment with Vodafone Automotive’s sourcing strategy.

He/She drives negotiations, manages supplier performance, ensures compliance with internal policies, and contributes actively to achieving year‑on‑year cost savings and continuous process improvement.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership

Category Management and Sourcing

• Manage assigned component categories, developing sourcing plans aligned with company objectives.
• Conduct supplier market analysis to identify trends, risks, and new opportunities.
• Evaluate, select, and qualify suppliers in compliance with procurement policies.
• Lead Request for Quotations, tenders, negotiations, and long‑term agreements to secure the best value.

Cost Optimization & Financial Performance

• Achieve continuous improvement of component costs through negotiation, supplier consolidation, alternative sourcing, and value-engineering initiatives.
• Monitor raw material indices and market drivers to anticipate cost fluctuations and formulate mitigation strategies.
• Identify and propose cost-saving opportunities to internal stakeholders.

Supplier Management & Operational Procurement

• Ensure timely purchase order creation based on Purchase requests, Material Requirements Planning analysis, and business needs
• Manage supplier order confirmations, proactively resolving mismatches or delays
• Mitigate supply shortages by coordinating with planning, quality, and manufacturing teams to avoid production disruptions
• Drive Supplier OTIF performance improvements and monitor key supplier KPIs

Compliance, Governance & Process Excellence

• Ensure adherence to DOA (delegation of authority), P2P (procure to pay) controls, and accounting requirements (material codes, cost centers, Opex/Capex classification)
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and audit-ready records
• Support process optimization, automation initiatives (e.g., PowerBI reporting), and digital procurement tools.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate alternative components and support new product introduction
• Work with quality teams to drive supplier development and ensure compliance with technical standards
• Liaise with production planning to guarantee supply continuity and optimized inventory levels

Core competencies, knowledge and experience

• Strong negotiation, communication, and influencing skills
• Advanced skills in MS Office (Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint)
• Solid experience in data analysis and reporting
• Knowledge of AS400 and SAP procurement modules
• Proven experience in electronics procurement (minimum 3 years)
• Experience in multinational contexts (automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, white goods)
• Business acumen and strong problem-solving abilities
• Proactive, structured, and capable of managing multiple priorities

Must have technical / professional qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Economics
• >3 yrs of experience in procurement of electronics components purchase or solid technical and engineering background, motivated to grow and develop within a technical product-focused procurement team
• Very good knowledge of written and spoken English, Spanish/French or German is a plus

KPIs

• Year-on-Year cost savings delivered on assigned categories
• Supplier OTIF performance
• Category sourcing strategy development and execution
• Zero line-stop events related to components
• Project “Green Status” achievement (TCQ: Time, Cost, Quality)
• Contract coverage of assigned spend categories

We recognize and celebrate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our workplace so that we are as diverse as the customers and communities we serve. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination especially related to but not limited to race, color, age, veteran status, gender identification, sexual orientation, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, social origin, cultural background, social or marital status.

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job advert, we encourage you to apply as you may be just the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help see how your skills fit in.