Category Purchaser for Advanced Technologies & Innovation

Company Description

Since its spin-off in September 2025 AUMOVIO continues the business of the former Continental group sector Automotive as an independent company. The technology and electronics company offers a wide-ranging portfolio that makes mobility safe, exciting, connected, and autonomous. This includes sensor solutions, displays, braking and comfort systems as well as comprehensive expertise in software, architecture platforms, and assistance systems for software-defined vehicles. In the fiscal year 2024 the business areas, which now belong to AUMOVIO, generated sales of 19.6 billion Euro. The company is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and has about 87.000 employees in more than 100 locations worldwide.

Job Description

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

As a Category Purchaser for Advanced Technologies & Innovation, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Continental Automotive by developing and managing a supplier base for emerging technologies and business models. This role requires a strategic thinker with a pioneering mindset, capable of navigating uncharted markets and building supplier relationships from the ground up. 

The Position

Category Purchaser Advanced Technologies and Innovation 

Core Responsibilities:

• Identify and onboard suppliers for emerging technologies and non-traditional markets. 
• Evaluate and adapt to new business models (e.g., platform-based, subscription) 
• Establish supplier panels for technologies not yet standardized within the organization. 
• Act as a bridge between innovation teams and procurement to ensure early supplier involvement. 
• Consider technology readiness levels and align sourcing strategies accordingly. 
• Support risk management in volatile or immature markets.  
• Develop and drive implementation of supplier and material strategies in alignment with business area requirements. 
• Conduct market and supplier analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. 
• Lead global price and contract negotiations, ensuring legally binding agreements. 
• Drive sourcing processes in cross-functional teams, including supplier selection and contract closure. 
• Select, develop and manage Suppliers in close collaboration with R&D, Quality, and Logistics 
• Support cost optimization initiatives (e.g., Design-to-Cost, localization, bundling). 
• Ensure accurate data maintenance in procurement systems (e.g., SAP, MRP). 
• Present sourcing decisions and results to purchasing and business unit leadership. 
• Other Purchasing responsibilities as needed 
• Travel up to 25%, including to Europe and Asia. 
• WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or a related field. 
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in Purchasing, Project Management or a relevant field 
• Basic Knowledge of Product Development Process in Automotive or for technical products in a relevant field 
• Strong negotiation and communication skills. 
• Fluent in English (written and spoken). 
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). 
• Analytical mindset with strong Problem-solving, Strategic and systems thinking skills 
• Team player with strong organizational and prioritization skills. 
• Experience or strong interest in working with startups, suppliers and internal stakeholders in a innovation ecosystems. 
• Familiarity with agile project environments or cross-functional collaboration. 
• Ability to manage ambiguity and drive structure in undefined processes. 
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.
• Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. 

Other Ways To Stand Out

• 5 plus years of professional experience in Purchasing, Project Management or a relevant field 

Additional Information

The Perks

• Immediate Benefits

• Robust Total Rewards Package  

• Paid Time Off

• Employee Discounts

• Competitive Bonus Programs

• Employees 401k Match

• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.    

• Employee Assistance Program

• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional  
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!  

Eeo-Statement:

EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. AUMOVIO offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, AUMOVIO complies with government regulations where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which AUMOVIO has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, AUMOVIO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability.

Ready to take your career to the next level? The future of mobility isn’t just anyone’s job. ​Make it yours! ​Join AUMOVIO. Own What’s Next.​