Position Summary: Strategically manage Foam, Gasket, and transducer component categories, ensuring competitive, high-quality supply with a focus on cost reduction and AI. Key Highlights: 1. Lead VAVE initiatives and cost reduction. 2. Use AI for market analysis and decision-making. 3. Advanced negotiation and commodity management. Description and details of responsibilities **Purpose of the position:** Strategically manage Foam, Gasket, and transducer component categories (cones, voice coils, tinsels, forged parts, among others), ensuring competitive, reliable, and high-quality supply. The primary focus is cost reduction through VAVE strategies, design and process optimization, as well as the use of Artificial Intelligence for market analysis, supplier selection, and data-driven decision-making. **Functions and responsibilities:** * Develop and execute category-specific procurement strategies aligned with cost, performance, and operational continuity objectives. * Lead VAVE initiatives jointly with engineering, quality, and suppliers to identify opportunities for redesign, process optimization, alternative material usage, and component standardization. * Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities (price-down, productivity sharing, dual and local sourcing) and analyze cost structures (raw materials, labor, scrap, tooling, and overhead). * Source, evaluate, and select suppliers using digital platforms, comparative models, and AI tools for benchmarking and should\-cost analysis. * Negotiate long-term contracts and agreements focused on sustainable cost reduction. * Monitor supplier performance using KPIs, scorecards, and dashboards (QCDSM), and manage supply risks related to raw materials. * Use advanced analytics and AI for cost forecasting, negotiation scenario simulation, market analysis, and automated reporting. * Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering to technically validate VAVE proposals and ensure compliance with internal policies, quality standards, ethics, and sustainability. Experience and requirements **Position requirements:** **Education:** Bachelor’s degree or Engineering in Industrial, Mechanical, Materials, International Trade, or related field. A Master’s degree or certifications in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Lean Manufacturing are desirable. **Experience:** 4–8 years in strategic procurement or commodity management. **Languages:** Advanced English (80%, negotiation and technical reading). **Technical knowledge:** Strategic sourcing and advanced negotiation. VAVE methodologies, cost breakdown, Should-Cost, and TCO. Experience in manufacturing processes (foams, polymeric materials, transducer components such as cones, coils, and tinsels, cold/hot forging) and consumables handling (adhesives, welding, tapes). ERP system proficiency (SAP preferred) and data analysis tools (advanced Excel, Power BI). Application of Artificial Intelligence in procurement: supplier benchmarking, price forecasting, automated reporting/KPIs, and generation of VAVE initiatives. **Competencies:** Strategic and analytical thinking, strong cost reduction focus, leadership of cross-functional teams, advanced negotiation, effective communication, and a continuous improvement and innovation mindset. **Organizational competencies:** Results orientation, innovation (VAVE), collaborative work, integrity, internal customer focus, and adoption of digital technologies. **Others:** Ability to work with global and local suppliers. Strong emphasis on sustainable savings, standardization, and digitalization of the procurement function. Benefits * Benefits according to the Federal Labor Law (LFT) * Life insurance * Savings fund * Medical expense insurance * Annual bonuses * Indexation plan * On-site medical services * Cafeteria * Benefits exceeding legal requirements **Number of vacancies** 1 **Department** Procurement **Contract type** Permanent **Work modality** On-site **Shift** Day shift **Working hours** Full-time **Schedule*** Full-time **Education** Professional degree **English** Spoken: Advanced, Written: Advanced **Willingness to travel** No