Our client is a rapidly growing European technology company operating at the forefront of robotics, automation and intelligent machines. The business develops sophisticated robotic systems combining advanced mechanics, electronics, software and artificial intelligence to automate increasingly complex tasks across industrial and commercial environments.

With an ambitious international growth strategy and a strong focus on bringing next-generation robotic products from concept through to scaled production, the company is looking for an experienced Strategic Technical Buyer to join the procurement function on an interim basis.

The Opportunity:

This is an immediate-start interim position at 80% for an experienced procurement professional who can make an immediate impact across strategic sourcing, supplier management and commercial negotiations.

You will work closely with engineering, product development and suppliers to source complex components, establish competitive commercial structures and ensure cost, quality and delivery objectives are achieved from the earliest stages of development through to production.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic procurement of technically complex mechanical components and assemblies, including structural parts, actuators, gearboxes, injection-moulded components and other precision-engineered parts.
• Manage the sourcing of standardised and catalogue components in line with technical and commercial requirements.
• Identify, evaluate and develop national and international suppliers capable of meeting demanding technical, quality, cost and delivery requirements.
• Lead complex price, contract and delivery negotiations, using detailed technical and commercial analysis to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Establish and enforce cost, quality and delivery targets from the early product-development phase through to series production.
• Analyse supplier cost structures, including detailed cost breakdowns, should-cost models and target costing, to identify opportunities for improved commercial performance.
• Develop tailored sourcing and negotiation strategies across different product and component categories.
• Partner closely with engineering and product development teams to understand technical requirements and leverage technical arguments during supplier negotiations.
• Support the preparation and negotiation of framework agreements, NDAs, SLAs and other supplier contracts in collaboration with the legal function.
• Drive initiatives aimed at cost reduction, supplier optimisation and supply-chain risk mitigation.
• Contribute to supplier strategy, sourcing decisions and the development of a resilient international supply base.
• Support the transition of new products from development into scalable series production.

What We're Looking For:

Must-have:

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics or a comparable technical discipline.
• Several years of experience in strategic purchasing, technical procurement or strategic sourcing, ideally involving complex engineered products.
• Demonstrable success in supplier negotiations, with a track record of delivering measurable commercial results.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical components, manufacturing processes and complex assemblies.
• Proven experience with:
• Strategic price and contract negotiations
• Supplier selection, evaluation and development
• Cost-structure analysis and should-cost modelling
• Sourcing and procurement strategy
• Confident and assertive communication style, combined with strong commercial judgement and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively with technical stakeholders and translate engineering requirements into commercial sourcing strategies.
• Fluent business-level German and English (approximately B2–C1 or above).
• Experience working with ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics would be advantageous.
• Structured, analytical and hands-on approach, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving technology environment.

Desirable Experience:

• Background within robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, industrial technology or another high-tech environment.
• Experience managing international suppliers and negotiating cross-border commercial agreements.
• Understanding of new product introduction, series ramp-up and production scaling.
• Additional qualifications or professional training in purchasing, strategic sourcing or negotiation.
• Experience working in an environment where procurement is closely integrated with engineering and product development.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a technology business at an exciting stage of its growth, with the chance to make an immediate and tangible impact on its procurement and supplier strategy.

As an interim specialist, you will have direct influence over the components, suppliers and commercial structures underpinning next-generation robotic products, working closely with engineering and leadership teams while helping build a scalable and internationally competitive supply chain.