Head of NPM Procurement Japan / 間接購買グループマネージャー

The Head of NPM Procurement Japan reports to the Head of NPM Procurement APAC and leads the indirect procurement organization in Japan. This role is responsible for developing a high-performing team and driving strategic procurement initiatives across the region.

Role and Responsibilities 

1. Achieve cost reduction and Purchase price negotiation targets 

- Lead overall sourcing, supplier management, negotiations, and cost optimization activities across all indirect procurement categories in Japan.  
- Ensure delivery of targets incl. Savings, Automation, Compliance, Risk Management. 
Drive procurement initiatives to maximize business value. 

2. Strategy / Planning  Establish the mid-term NPM strategy 

- Define and execute NPM Japan strategy aligned with regional and global objectives. 
- Establish sourcing strategies to ensure competitiveness, supply security, and operational excellence. 
- Lead procurement planning and support business strategy discussions. 

3. Procurement methods / systems / digitalization 

- Lead procurement-related transformation initiatives, digitalization, process automation, and system implementation projects with the help of AI 
- Promote innovative sourcing approaches and leverage new technologies to improve procurement effectiveness and efficiency. 

4. Adhere to AUMOVIO standards 

- Drive continuous improvement of procurement processes, systems, governance, and organizational capabilities. 
- Ensure full compliance with the AUMOVIO P2P standards and policies. 
 
Promote operational excellence and productivity improvements across the organization. 

5. External / Internal Relations, Maintain and expand the business partnership 

- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers, country management, regional/global purchasing organizations,  key suppliers, CABS 
- Act as the primary escalation point for procurement-related matters in Japan. 
Represent NPM Japan in management discussions and cross-functional initiatives. 

6. Talent Development , Develop capabilities of team members 

- Lead, coach, and develop the Japan NPM procurement team. 
- Establish capability development, and performance improvement initiatives. 
- Foster a collaborative, customer-oriented, and high-performance team culture. 

7. Organization Building / Support  and Improve organizational culture 

- Lead the NPM Japan Procurement organization and ensure effective collaboration with regional and global procurement teams. 
- Drive organizational development, resource planning, and transformation initiatives. 

8. Sustainability 

- Promote sustainability, responsible sourcing, and ESG-related procurement initiatives. 
- Support company environmental and CSR objectives through supplier and procurement activities. 

Education / Certification 
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business Administration. MBA preferred but not required. 

Professional Experience (Variety of Functions, Variety of Business, General Management Experience etc.) 
10+ years of working or involved in indirect materials purchasing and/or other purchasing functions. 

Project and/or Process Experience 
Required experience in Project Management, Process Definition and Implementation, Change Management and Teamwork skills. 

Leadership Experience 
Required experience in leading procurement teams, developing team members and driving regional or company-wide projects. 

Intercultural / International Experience 
Worked in international environment and cooperated with regional and global organizations. 

Language skills
Fluent English (business proficiency) and native-level Japanese

Please submit an English resume and a Japanese Rirekisyo.

Ready to take your career to the next level? The future of mobility isn’t just anyone’s job. ​Make it yours! ​Join AUMOVIO. Own What’s Next.​

Since its spin-off in September 2025 AUMOVIO continues the business of the former Continental group sector Automotive as an independent company. The technology and electronics company offers a wide-ranging portfolio that makes mobility safe, exciting, connected, and autonomous. This includes sensor solutions, displays, braking and comfort systems as well as comprehensive expertise in software, architecture platforms, and assistance systems for software-defined vehicles. In the fiscal year 2024 the business areas, which now belong to AUMOVIO, generated sales of 19.6 billion Euro. The company is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and has about 87.000 employees in more than 100 locations worldwide.