Driven by the passion to improve quality of people's lives, WSA continues to grow as market leader in the hearing aid industry. With our commitment to increase penetration in an underserved hearing care market, we want to accelerate our business transformation in order to reach more people, more effectively.

This role is responsible for developing the overall strategy for purchasing within a specific product category, as well as researching new product options to boost sales and meet targets. They provide insights and proposals by analyzing product lifecycles and monitoring relevant market trends.

This role involves managing negotiation and cost-saving projects for Zinc Air batteries, outsourcing (EMS) accessories, with an annual expenditure of approximately EUR 30 million. This global position reports directly to the Category Manager of Power Supply and Accessories.

What you will do

Select vendors and technologies optimally, aligning with time to market expectations, category sourcing strategies, and cost targets. Serve as the liaison between Purchasing, R&D and Engineering, Quality and Marketing, ensuring visibility and alignment regarding time to market, target costs, the introduction of new platforms and technologies, supplier selection, and risk mitigation from NPI to launch
Engage effectively with a complex array of stakeholders, including R&D, Advanced Engineering, Manufacturing, and other global Sourcing leaders
Lead discussions and negotiations with multiple large international suppliers
Identify alternative partners or vendors to optimize costs and reduce risks
Oversee risk mitigation activities, creating matrices and reports as needed
Maintain close interaction with business partners to ensure category-related needs are addressed
Collaborate internally to drive and develop key performance measures/metrics for strategic suppliers and monitor supplier performance against these expectations to ensure continuous supplier improvement
Ensure commercial alignment with organizational goals, including payment terms, shipping terms, consignment and liability.

What you bring

Technical and cost driver knowledge in direct materials and components, if possible, in electronics
Program and process development to integrate cost savings strategy into product development context
Minimium 5 years experience in a Procurement with negotiation experience
Since many suppliers are based in North Asia, the ability to speak mandarin is a preference for this role
Experience working and managing external vendors to deliver results within designated timelines
Experience handling internal and external stakeholders
Knowledge of cost modelling and strategic sourcing process.

Who we are

At WSA, we provide innovative hearing aids and hearing health services.

Together with our 12,000 colleagues in 130 countries, we invite you to help unlock human potential by bringing back hearing for millions of people around the world.

With us, you will become part of a truly global company where we care for one another, welcome diversity and celebrate our successes.

Sounds wonderful We can't wait to hear from you.

WSA is an equal-opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all. Regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status we firmly believe that our work is at its best when everyone feels free to be their most authentic self.

Category Manager, EMS and Batteries