Purchasing Specialist

We are looking for a hands-on operational Purchasing Specialist to handle our day-to-day purchasing activities within the supply chain organization. In this role, you will be responsible for executing purchase orders, tracking order confirmations and deliveries, and ensuring timely material availability for production and fulfillment. You will work closely with existing suppliers, logistics partners, and internal stakeholders to resolve shortages, delays, and inventory discrepancies, while maintaining accurate ERP data and monitoring operational purchasing KPIs. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, pays close attention to detail, and takes pride in keeping daily operations running smoothly and reliably. Responsibilities • Execute daily purchasing operations: Create, issue, and manage purchase orders based on material requirements and demand forecasts. • Track & trace deliveries: Monitor order confirmations, delivery schedules, and open orders to ensure 100% on-time delivery and material availability. • Resolve operational issues: Actively follow up on supplier delays, material shortages, damaged goods, or invoice discrepancies (3-way matching). • Maintain ERP & master data: Ensure high data quality in the ERP system, including lead times, safety stocks, minimum order quantities, and purchase prices. • Manage inventory & stock levels: Support inventory control by monitoring stock levels and helping prevent both stockouts and overstocking. • Monitor operational KPIs: Track key purchasing metrics such as supplier On-Time In-Full (OTIF) performance, order cycle times, and open PO backlogs. • Operational liaison: Serve as the primary contact point between existing suppliers, internal logistics, warehouse management, and production/planning teams. • Process optimization: Support the optimization of operational workflows, PO automation, and daily purchasing routines to improve efficiency. Qualifications and Skills • 3+ years of hands-on operational purchasing experience within a dynamic manufacturing, trading, or supply chain environment. • Strong understanding of supply chain fundamentals, including lead time management, demand fluctuations, safety stocks, and alternative sourcing strategies. • Proven track record in daily order execution: Hands-on experience in expediting, shortage resolution, and direct supplier communication in a fast-paced setting. • Solid proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) with a high emphasis on data accuracy, master data maintenance, and order management. • Cross-functional coordination: Demonstrated ability to collaborate closely with operations, logistics, warehouse, and planning teams to ensure uninterrupted business workflows. • Commercial & Analytical mindset: Ability to review order acknowledgments, evaluate price/cost breakdowns, and ensure full compliance with contractual terms and delivery specifications. • Strong supplier management skills with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset • Comfortable handling escalations, negotiating delivery improvements, and driving recovery plans • Structured, detail-oriented, and highly reliable with strong ownership mentality • Analytical mindset with the ability to track and improve KPIs (OTD, backlog, stock levels, shortages) • Fluent in German and English (spoken and written) • Team-oriented with a structured, proactive working style and clear communication skills • EU citizenship required Benefits • Flexible working hours • Stock Options • Generous holiday allowance • Pension plan • Extended social security package • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave • Learning and development opportunities • Wellpass membership About Auterion We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems. At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.