How You Can Make An Impact

In this role, you shape and execute the global category strategy for mechanical components and assemblies – with a special focus on suppliers in Asia Pacific.

Category Strategy & Governance

Develop, implement, and continuously update the global category strategy for mechanical components and assemblies in alignment with Eppendorf's business, quality, and sustainability objectives.
Analyze global and regional supply markets (especially China and Southeast Asia), including cost drivers, technology trends, capacity, risk, and ESG developments for mechanical manufacturing (e.g., machining, stamping, sheet metal fabrication, surface treatment).
Define and manage mid- and long-term sourcing roadmaps, including supplier panel definition, localization/near-shoring, consolidation and dual/multi-sourcing strategies.
Ensure category strategies are aligned with R&D, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain stakeholders globally.

Sourcing & Supplier Management

Identify, evaluate, and qualify mechanical component suppliers, including those with in-house engineering, machining, sheet metal, assembly and surface treatment capabilities.
Lead and manage RFQ/RFI/RFP processes, ensuring technical and commercial comparability of offers in close collaboration with Engineering and Quality.
Negotiate prices, tooling/fixturing investments, commercial terms and long-term agreements, optimizing total cost of ownership (TCO) while ensuring supply continuity and quality.
Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive cost competitiveness, innovation, service performance and sustainability.
Support supplier development activities, including capacity expansion, process optimization and quality improvements.

Cost Management & Should-Cost

Develop, maintain and continuously refine should-cost models for mechanical components based on:
Material type and raw material cost (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, special alloys).
Manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC turning/milling, casting, forging, stamping, bending, laser cutting, grinding, heat treatment, surface finishing).
Machine time, setup time, scrap rate, labor content, automation level and overheads.
Tooling/fixture concept and amortization where relevant.
Reasonable margin assumptions by region.
Conduct cost breakdown and gap analysis (supplier quote vs. should-cost vs. current price) to identify savings opportunities and support fact-based negotiations.
Collaborate with R&D, Engineering and suppliers to enable design-to-cost and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) for new and existing mechanical parts and assemblies.
Conduct and execute cost reduction negotiations annually to achieve procurement and category savings targets.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Act as the primary category interface to global and regional stakeholders (R&D, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance).
Support NPI / NPD projects to FS by involving mechanical suppliers early, conducting feasibility and manufacturability assessments (DFM) and providing cost input and sourcing recommendations.
Work closely with Quality to support PPAP, process audits, APQP and change management at suppliers, specifically for mechanical manufacturing processes.
Align with Supply Chain and Operations on inventory strategies, logistics models and dual sourcing plans to secure supply and optimize working capital.

Risk Management, Compliance & Sustainability

Identify, assess and mitigate supply risks (single-sourcing, capacity constraints, geopolitical risk, regulatory, ESG and environmental risks) within the mechanical supply base.
Develop and implement risk mitigation plans, including dual/multi-sourcing, safety stock strategies and regional diversification.
Ensure suppliers comply with Eppendorf's requirements on quality, ethics, environment, health & safety and social responsibility.
Actively support Eppendorf's sustainability goals, e.g., through material choices, waste reduction, energy-efficient machining and fabrication processes, and responsible supplier selection.

What Sets You Apart

Education

Bachelor's degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related technical field.
Additional business qualification (e.g. MBA, Purchasing certification) is an advantage.

Experience

Typically 4+ years of experience in procurement, category management or strategic sourcing, with a strong focus on mechanical components and assemblies (preferably for medical devices, diagnostics, life science, laboratory equipment or related industries).
Proven experience with mechanical design and manufacturing (e.g., machining, sheet metal fabrication, casting/forging, surface treatment), including understanding of process capabilities, tolerances, cost drivers, maintenance and refurbishment of tools/fixtures where relevant.

Skills & Competencies

Demonstrated track record in should-cost analysis, cost breakdown and value engineering for mechanical parts and assemblies.
Solid experience working with suppliers in Southeast Asia, including supplier scouting, qualification, development and performance management.
Experience in a global or regional role in an international, matrix organization is highly preferred.
Strong understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes (including process parameters, automation, secondary operations such as surface finishing, assembly, testing, and cleanroom requirements where applicable).
Excellent commercial acumen and negotiation skills, able to lead complex negotiations and long-term agreements.
Advanced analytical and financial skills, including TCO, cost modeling and scenario analysis.
Ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Very good communication skills in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Mandarin is a strong plus.
Proficient in MS Excel/PowerPoint and ERP/Procurement systems (e.g., SAP, e-sourcing tools).

Personal Attributes

Strategic thinker with a hands-on, pragmatic approach and attention to detail.
High level of ownership, accountability and result orientation.
Strong intercultural competence and ability to work effectively with global teams and suppliers, especially in Europe and Asia.
Passionate about continuous improvement, operational excellence and sustainable sourcing.

What We Offer

Purpose and impact. At Eppendorf, you work on solutions that help improve people's lives around the world.
We value your contribution. A fair, competitive salary and marketappropriate benefits in line with local regulations.
Flexible working. Depending on role requirements, a flexible working environment aligned with local policies that supports collaboration and worklife balance.
Time to recharge. Annual leave and public holiday arrangements in line with local law, plus additional leave types that support important life events.
Health and wellbeing. Medical coverage and access to health and wellness support, complemented by local programmes such as health screening or wellness claims where available.
Learning that moves you forward. With the Eppendorf Academy, digital learning platforms, language courses, workshops, community formats, coaching and development programs, you can grow continuously – both professionally and personally.

Global Category Manager – Mechanics (f/m/d)