Installation Category Purchasing Manager - Eastern Europe & Mediterranean

About the role

KONE is looking for an Installation Category Purchasing Manager for Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, based in Budapest. The role develops and executes sourcing and category management strategies for installation services across the region, working with frontline business functions, delivery operations, project teams, suppliers and internal stakeholders. It also works with Global and Area Category Managers to implement and localize category strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and run installation category sourcing strategies aligned with regional and business objectives, and involve procurement early in bids, tenders and major projects
• Build, qualify and manage a competitive supplier network, including subcontractors, and lead supplier selection, RFQs/RFPs, tenders and negotiations
• Manage supplier performance, drive supplier development and resolve escalated supplier issues
• Drive cost competitiveness, maintain commercial models and pricing structures, and track category KPIs and savings
• Support forecasting and budgeting, and act as the main procurement partner for Delivery Operations, Business Lines, Safety, Finance, Legal and Project Management
• Monitor market and supplier capacity trends, mitigate supply continuity risks and ensure compliance with procurement policies and sustainability objectives
• Lead category specialists and procurement team members, promote a customer-focused procurement culture and share best practices

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, subcontracting or supplier management
• Experience managing installation services, construction, field operations, technical services or subcontractor networks is strongly preferred
• Experience in an international or multi-country environment and willingness to travel within the region

Required skills

• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, and experience managing complex supplier relationships and contracts
• Analytical, data-driven approach and strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Fluency in English; additional regional languages are an advantage