Category Buyer (OU - maternity cover)

Kion Group AG

Kraków, Poland

Posted on Jul 15, 2026

KION Business Services Polska is part of the KION Group is a world-leading supplier of forklift trucks, warehouse technology and supply chain solutions. We already employ more than 42,000 people in over 100 countries and are thus significantly driving the future of intralogistics while pursuing a clear sustainability strategy.

For our procurement department we are currently looking for Category Buyer, who will be in charge for the purchasing of CO (= Customer Options) components for our European locations with the focus on the Czech Republic.

The scope for CO includes nearly every component of a material handling Truck, from the easy sheet metal part to the complete and complex reworked forklift truck. In this context you will work within an European purchasing team with colleagues in several European locations, close together with your Manager located in Germany and an interdisciplinary local CO team of Sales, Logistic, Production, Quality and R&D.

Join KION Business Services and shape the intelligent supply chain solutions that power everyday life!

We offer:

Hybrid work & Flexible Working Hours
Private medical care in LuxMed Group
MyBenefit Cafeteria Platform (with Multisport card available)
Group Life Insurance
Employee referral program
Professional trainings in your area of responsibility
Sharing the costs of foreign language courses
4 hours off work per year for health check-ups ("Dzień na U")
No dress code
Possibility of growth inside of an organization
Company co-sponsored learning & development opportunities

Tasks and Qualifications:

Your Responsibility:

Self-reliant and operational acting buyer for CO (= Customer Option) components, assemblies and solutions.
Proceed market analyses and request for quotations in line with technical specifications, fix supplier decisions, place purchase orders and set delivery dates according to sales requests.
In cooperation with logistics, tracking of the supplier deliveries and initiate actions in case of deviations.
Lead negotiations with suppliers in terms of delivery, quality and price.
Manage and develop the supply base, to achieve our targets in delivery, quality, cost and innovation.
Maintain and develop relationships with strategic suppliers including contract management (NDA’s, Long Term- / Supply Contracts etc).
Support the development and implementation of the Commodity Strategy and align the supplier portfolio together with the lead buyer and your Manager.
Act as interface between supplier and internal stakeholders in case of questions/discussions.
Monitor and manage influences on performance and achievements on the procurement’s KPIs, in line with local requirements and rules.
Manage crisis situations. Support and respond to unforeseen supply failures, working with supplier and OU (= Operation Unit) to deliver solutions to avoid line stops.
Support in regional and global procurement initiatives.

Your Skills and Expertise:

Bachelor’s Degree or comparable education in Engineering or Business and ideally experience as Commodity Buyer in Material Handling, Construction, Agriculture, Automotive Tier 1 or similarly demanding environment.
Strategic thinking in the day to day decision making.
Understanding of manufacturing processes and industry quality standards.
Strong negotiation skills.
Able to read and understand technical drawings and -specifications.
Result driven, with the ability to drive projects self-reliant and successfully.
Good problem solving, communication and presentation skills.
Proficient in using Microsoft Office application, good SAP/R3 ERP knowledge is a benefit.
Flexibility to travel within Europe.
Good English is mandatory, a second language will be of advantage.
Continuous improvement mindset with proactive approach
Curiosity with openness to new technologies
Collaborative team player able to work cross-culturally
Demonstrates KION Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Courage