Strategic Buyer – Global Sourcing & Project Management

About the role

RIMOWA is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join its Purchasing team at the Cologne head office. You will shape and execute global sourcing strategies for key product categories, collaborating closely with Industrial, Quality, Development and Supply Chain teams as well as a worldwide supplier network.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement global sourcing strategies aligned with company policies and cost targets.
• Manage the supplier panel, integrate new suppliers based on KPI performance, and foster strong supplier relationships.
• Develop bottom‑up cost models to understand supplier cost structures and drive negotiations.
• Monitor and improve supplier performance, including sustainability initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers during early project design phases, applying Total Cost of Ownership logic to make‑or‑buy decisions.
• Lead RFQ processes, supplier homologation, and award negotiations.
• Collaborate with Quality to audit suppliers before contract awards and participate in project reviews.
• Act as project leader on select initiatives, coordinating with Product Marketing to meet COGS targets and ensure smooth commercial launch.

Required profile

• University degree in Purchasing Management, Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a strategic buyer in an industrial environment.
• Proven ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies across the product lifecycle.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience building cost models and evaluating supplier performance.
• Excellent communication skills to work with cross‑functional teams and external partners.

Required skills