Strategic Purchaser

JOB DESCRIPTION You will join the South Europe Purchasing Team, operating within a matrix organization that coordinates procurement activities across Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, in collaboration with the EMEIA Category Managers. You will work closely with buyers from the other South European countries to define and implement procurement strategies for the assigned categories, while also supporting local Purchasing projects and requirements. You will operate in compliance with company standards, policies, and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all activities required to define and implement procurement strategies for the assigned categories, ensuring the achievement of cost savings and business development objectives.
• Select, evaluate, and develop suppliers.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and framework contracts with suppliers.
• Act as Project Leader in resourcing initiatives, collaborating with Marketing, Sales, Research & Development, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality, and other relevant business functions.
• Participate in new product development processes by identifying and qualifying the most suitable suppliers.
• Collaborate with Logistics and Quality teams to eliminate inefficiencies throughout the supply chain.
• Proactively identify and resolve market-, product-, quality-, and delivery-related issues.
• Act as a key reference point for Procurement tools and processes, including information systems, documentation, and ERP platforms.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering, Technical, or related discipline, or a Master's degree specializing in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Fluency in both Italian and English, written and spoken.
• Knowledge of a second European language (French, Portuguese, or Spanish) will be considered an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes and supply chain management.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems.
• Outstanding negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in both local and international environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with pragmatism, accuracy, and a focus on operational excellence.
• Ability to perform effectively in dynamic environments, demonstrating resilience and flexibility.
• High level of professional integrity.

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in a Procurement/Purchasing role within an industrial environment.
• Proven experience in sourcing mechanical components, machined parts, castings, stamped components, metal parts, and mechanical assemblies.
• Strong experience in supplier management and development within the mechanical engineering industry, including the assessment of manufacturing capabilities, quality standards, and commercial competitiveness.
• Knowledge of key mechanical manufacturing technologies, including CNC machining, stamping, die casting, punching, welding, and surface treatments.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and product specifications to support sourcing, cost reduction, and supplier development activities.

Compensation Package

We offer a permanent employment contract under the Italian Metalworking Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL Metalmeccanico), with a gross annual salary ranging from €38,000 to €42,000, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access. As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally. As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access.