Indirect Purchasing Category Expert - IT & Engineering Service, GS

Job Description

The Category Expert is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for Engineering Services Procurement in AP1. The role focuses on creating business value through strategic sourcing, demand management, supplier management, and close collaboration with business partners while continuously improving purchasing efficiency under the i-Buy Next Level organization.

Main Responsibilities

1. Take strategic category responsibility for Engineering Services, and University Cooperation projects in China and Korea.

2. Translate business demand into clear category priorities, sourcing strategies, and measurable commercial targets.

3. Act as the primary interface between business partners, Category Management, Execution teams, and global stakeholders.

4. Classify purchasing activities into strategic and operational scope and ensure effective handover to the relevant execution organization.

5. Develop and implement regional category and supplier strategies aligned with the global category direction and AP1 business needs.

6. Drive demand management by challenging specifications, consolidating requirements, identifying standardization opportunities, and reducing unnecessary demand.

7. Lead complex sourcing and negotiation activities, including market analysis, supplier selection, commercial evaluation, supplier nomination, and contract negotiation.

8. Build transparency on spend, demand, supplier portfolio, rate cards, commercial conditions, risks, and savings opportunities.

9. Identify and realize cost savings, cost avoidance, demand reduction, and productivity improvements.

10. Manage supplier performance, commercial development, contract compliance, and supplier risks.

11. Leverage digital tools, automation, analytics, and AI-supported solutions to improve sourcing efficiency, data quality, and decision-making.

12. Ensure repetitive and operational activities are transferred to the appropriate execution or support organization wherever possible.

13. Continuously improve the Category–Execution interface by defining clear roles, responsibilities, handover criteria, and service expectations.

14. Advise internal customers on market developments, sourcing options, commercial risks, supplier capabilities, and value creation opportunities.

15. Ensure all purchasing documentation is complete, traceable, and compliant with Bosch policies and stored in the relevant systems.

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Professional Experience

• Relevant experience in Purchasing, Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Supplier Management.
• Experience in an international and cross-functional working environment is preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Good understanding of Engineering Services, or related indirect purchasing categories.
• Knowledge of sourcing processes, supplier management, contract negotiation, and commercial evaluation.

Competencies

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capability.
• Structured, analytical, and result-oriented working style.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
• Strong ownership, learning agility, and willingness to take on broader regional responsibilities.
• Experience with digital procurement tools, data analytics, automation, and AI-enabled sourcing solutions is an advantage.

Language Skills

• Fluent English (written and spoken).
• Fluent Chinese is mandatory.
• Japanese or Korean language capability would be an advantage.

Additional Information