Global Category Lead - Conveyor belt fabrics (Reinforcements)

Global Category Lead - Conveyor belt fabrics (Reinforcements)

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets. 

 ContiTech is one of the world’s leading material experts for industry applications. The Continental group sector offers its customers reliable, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 20,000 employees (Status as of March 2026) at more than 60 sites globally, and sales of some 6.0 billion euros (2025), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

**Key Responsibilities:**

• Develop and implement global material and supplier strategy through market analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and documentation across all business areas
• Conduct supplier evaluation and selection, driving negotiations to optimize cost, quality, and technological requirements while ensuring contract compliance
• Negotiate and conclude legally binding supplier contracts, ensuring timely documentation and accurate data entry in IT systems
• Manage global demand bundling for the reinforcements category and drive cost-out initiatives, shortage management, and crisis response
• Lead ad-hoc projects and improvement programs with suppliers to enhance performance and support cost-saving activities
• Ensure on-time material supply to all production facilities through monthly monitoring, forecasting, and coordination with production, R&D, and quality departments
• Support material price planning, rebate negotiations, and price deviation forecasting to optimize annual budgets
• Provide internal and external correspondence and procurement support to plants regarding sourcing and related operational matters

Qualifications

**Required Qualifications:**

• Proficiency in Contitech Purchasing Processes and SAP, Supply ON, and MS Office systems
• Purchasing and negotiation skills with strong communication and presentation abilities across multicultural environments
• Analytical problem-solving capabilities and strategic thinking mindset
• Technical understanding of conveyor belt reinforcement components and supply chain procedures
• Commercial and contract law knowledge with proven supplier management experience