Regional Purchasing Manager - Danube Adriatic Region (DAR)

We are looking for a Regional Purchasing Manager to lead and coordinate procurement activities in the Danube Adriatic Region (Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North-Macedonia and Hungary). The position is based in Zagreb, Croatia, and you are working closely with Senior Purchasing Specialist in Hungary and being part of Purchasing team of Eastern Europe and Mediterranean frontline. 

In this role, you will work together with local operations and regional stakeholders, driving sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring alignment with global procurement standards. You will play a key role in optimizing cost, quality, and supplier performance, while supporting business growth in a dynamic, international environment. 

This position offers an unque opportunity to take on a strategic procurement leadership role in a growing regional setup. You will have a direct impact on business performance, supplier strategy, and operational excellence, while working in a collaborative and international environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and coordinate procurement and sourcing activities across the region, guiding a small team to optimize supplier performance and cost efficiency 

• Manage supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management  

• Optimize costs, quality, and supplier performance across categories  

• Implement global procurement strategies and ensure compliance with local legislation  

• Develop and execute category procurement plans  

• Collaborate closely with regional business leaders in service, delivery operations, finance and sales 

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving projects  

• Influence and align with regional supplier frameworks and agreements  

Ideal Skills, Education and Experience: 

• Proven experience in strategic procurement and supplier management  

• Strong ability to lead projects independently and collaborate cross-functionally  

• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills  

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset  

• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment  

• Proficiency in:  

• SAP, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Office  

• Languages:  

• Croatian (native or fluent)  

• English (fluent)  

• Additional regional languages are an advantage  

• Willingness to travel  

• Ability to coach and develop others, promoting continuous learning and best practices  

• Experience driving transformation, implementing new processes, and managing stakeholder expectations  

• Comfortable handling multiple priorities, making quick decisions, and delivering results under pressure  

• Strong influencing skills with the ability to build partnerships across business and regions  

What We Offer 

• Attractive salary and bonus scheme  

• Company car  

• International and professional environment  

• Access to KONE trainings and development programs  

• Coaching and mentoring opportunities  

• Transparent, performance-based career growth  

• Friendly, informal company culture  

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on https://careers.kone.com/en/