Job Purpose

The EMEA Category Sourcing Lead - MRO & Consumables is accountable for MRO & Consumables strategy implementation across EMEA with secondary support to Bridgestone North America/Latin America. This role ensures compliance with regional regulations, drives cost optimization, and fosters supplier innovation while supporting ESG and sustainability goals. The position requires strong analytical skills, cultural agility, and expertise in digital procurement tools to deliver measurable value across diverse markets.

Category scope includes: Consumables, Uniforms, Safety supplies, Spare Parts, and other as needed.

Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end category strategies delivering measurable cost savings, supply assurance, and value creation across EMEA manufacturing sites
• Lead and engage suppliers and internal stakeholders to identify and implement cost reduction opportunities
• Provide procurement support to all functional areas, ensuring procurement representation in issues related to meeting business requirements
• Analyze market trends and report substantial issues and resolution plan(s) to management when applicable
• Develop sourcing strategies and working plans and drive implementation to completion (commodity & supplier strategies)
• Resolve issues related to quality, cost, delivery, and innovation
• Enable a Continuous Improvement mindset, embracing PDCA and Deming Plan principles
• Manage and enhance supplier performance through standardized processes and continuous improvement across quality, cost, delivery, and service
• Ensure strong stakeholder alignment with plants, business partners, finance, and technical teams

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field required; advanced degree preferred
• Preferred certifications: CPM

Experience

• Strategic and/or Operational Procurement experience (5+ years)
• Prior commodity and/or materials buying experience
• Experience managing Direct and/or Indirect goods and/or services in centralized, decentralized, or plant environments

Technical Skills

• Category knowledge of MRO/Consumables (Manufacturing Parts, Tooling, Process Aids, Chemicals, and Rubber Industry)
• Experience with digital sourcing tools and data analytics for global sourcing decisions
• SAP knowledge and procurement digital tools (Fairmarket, Ariba, E‑Catalogue)
• Contract development, management, and oversight
• Spend analysis, costing models, SWOT analysis, target costing, and clean sheet analysis
• Tail spend management
• Supplier risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Understanding of EU regulatory and compliance requirements, including GDPR and sustainability directives

Languages

• Fluent in English

Soft / Behavioral Skills

• Ability to multitask and adapt priorities quickly
• Strong communication skills
• Advanced planning and analytical capability
• Complex problem‑solving skills and ability to coordinate cross‑functional resolution
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to work across cultures and manage suppliers across multiple time zones
• Customer‑oriented mindset
• Focus on ESG and sustainability compliance