Lead Casting Buyer, Strategic Purchasing

About the role

This role is responsible for managing supplier selection for casting commodities, leading contract negotiations, overseeing the procurement process, and supporting cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier selection for casting commodities, including evaluating new suppliers, collecting and comparing offers, and making award decisions.
• Lead and document contract negotiations, including framework agreements addressing quality standards, capacity planning, cost reimbursements, and logistics.
• Oversee the complete external procurement process for cast components up to series production release.
• Perform detailed cost and price analyses, particularly for cast parts, and support simultaneous engineering and development efforts with suppliers.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities specific to casting materials and processes.
• Prepare purchasing award summaries and manage documentation for suppliers involved in production and aftersales casting components.
• Develop commodity strategies for castings in alignment with global and regional purchasing and logistics goals.
• Lead and deliver cross-functional projects on time and within budget, including those involving engineering, quality, and manufacturing functions.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, contract terms, and long-term agreements with casting suppliers.
• Proactively resolve issues related to pricing, invoicing, and contractual obligations.
• Provide accurate forecasts for annual material, tooling, and repair budgets related to casting commodities.
• Support the implementation of standardized purchasing processes, tools, and reporting methods.
• Create viable solutions and options for complex procurement challenges.
• Contribute to company-wide cost savings initiatives, particularly around material and process optimization in castings.
• Maintain open and professional communication across internal departments, executive leadership, and suppliers.
• Uphold workplace organization and good housekeeping practices.
• Keep leadership updated on key tasks, risks, and open issues.
• Actively promote and uphold a compliance-focused culture, in alignment with the Rolls-Royce Integrity Code.
• Support global sourcing initiatives and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Management, Materials Management, or Business Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in strategic procurement, with a strong focus on casting commodities.
• In-depth technical and commercial understanding of casting processes, suppliers, and industry standards.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost improvements with a focus on cost reductions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel - domestic and international and work flexible hours.

Preferred

• Master's degree in supply chain, Business Management, Materials Management, or Business Finance, or related field.
• Proven experience working in a global manufacturing or automotive environment.
• Several years of professional experience in purchasing with focus on international procurement, ideally in the casting sector.
• Engineering or technical degree.
• German language skills.
• SAP experience.

Skills

Basic requirements and preferred qualifications listed above.

Benefits

Rolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan. Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a flexible spending account; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off; certain paid holidays; paid parental and family care leave; tuition reimbursement; and a long-term incentive plan.

Pay

$81,520.00-$132,470.00-Annually

Schedule

Hybrid role per Rolls-Royce HR Policy. Minimum of 2 days per week onsite.