Strategic Category Manager Packaging & Labeling

The Strategic Category Manager Packaging & Labeling is responsible for the worldwide strategic sourcing in the area of Packaging & Labeling and its subcategories for the Tire Group Sector and affiliated companies. This position is reporting to the Head of Global Category Packaging & Labeling and steers the implementation of the respective Category Strategy.

The global approach creates an added value for all Business Areas in terms of commercial, logistical and even technical enhancements, i.e. sustainable total cost reduction, support quality initiatives for internal customers, prolongation of payment terms, warranty and liability optimization, ensuring the worldwide availability of materials and services, data transparency and process improvements as well as strengthening of relationship to strategic Business Partners (internally and externally).

• Act as interface and represent the interests of Continental and the Purchasing Community towards all internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Engineering, Plants, Suppliers).
• Develop and sustain (supplier) strategy for respective category in alignment with all relevant stakeholders and supervisors (e.g. Engineering, Regions, Plants) and in compliance with all relevant purchasing processes, guidelines and procedures.
• Performs annual and regular negotiations to constantly improve the cost situation for respective category, actively drives improvement or Total Cost of Ownership programs with suppliers with the target to achieve the defined goals and a special focus on highest value creation.
• Analysis of the global supplier market and conduction of benchmark analysis to derive actions for the global supplier portfolio.
• Drives make or buy scenarios, optimizes bundling effects and initiates Value-Engineering projects
• Conduct complaint and claim negotiations with special strategic interest which can’t be performed independently by the local units.
• Lead or participate in projects with relevance for owned category or within the purchasing organization.

• Academic degree in economics, engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Proper experience of the MS Office 365 programs as well as other relevant tools
• Fluent skills in English language, written and oral, further languages skills are beneficial (i.e. German).
• Several years of relevant professional experience in Purchasing (or similar functions) in an international environment.
• Advanced experience in project management and working in projects with an international scope / environment.
• Good experience in conduction of negotiations with a global responsibility.
• Knowledge on purchasing process description and optimization.
• High degree of international and intercultural competency as well as several years of work experience in an international environment required.

• 13th salary;
• Performance bonus;
• Christmas & Easter bonus;
• Seniority bonus;
• Flexible working time;
• Competitive salaries & benefits;
• Health & wellness (Life Assurance, Private Health and Dental Insurance, Sport activities, Canteen, 24/7 Helpline with Psychologists etc.);
• Different discounts (tires, glasses, medical, shopping, etc.);
• Relocation bonus for non-Timisoara Residents;
• Professional development opportunities (in Technical and Leadership Areas);
• International Work Environment & Traveling Opportunities.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets.

With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility.