Senior Purchasing Manager

NKT Photonics is seeking an experienced Senior Purchasing Manager to lead and support a team of procurement professionals. You will ensure smooth daily delivery to production, maintain optimal inventory levels, and oversee the engineering change process (ECO) at a high-performance level. You will also manage purchasing tasks for R&D and new product development, ensuring a seamless transition to mass production in line with product launch plans. The role emphasizes data-driven performance and improvement capabilities, automation, and process optimization. You will foster a performance culture based on trust and accountability.

Primary Responsibilities:

Promote a culture of collaboration around performance targets.
Ensure all parts in full for production by timely procurement of materials, optimized inventory levels, and implement engineering changes without disrupting production.
Support R&D in sourcing materials for new product development and ensure a smooth transition to mass production.
Focus on data-driven performance improvements, automation, and process optimization.
Improve procurement processes and ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and ethical standards.
Monitor supplier performance, build strong supplier relationships, and drive long-term strategic development in collaboration with Sourcing.
Maintain accurate master data and optimize ERP and PLM systems for purchasing efficiency.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Supply Chain/Logistics.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, preferably in an industrial, high-tech, or manufacturing environment.
Relevant experience/education to support the responsibilities – especially structured work with data.
Excellent business English required; Danish is preferred but not mandatory.

Skills and Knowledge:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Business- and results-oriented mindset – understanding the full value chain.
Strong focus on data-driven performance improvements, automation, and process optimization.
Experience with ERP systems (D365) and procurement tools.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Analytical mindset with a focus on cost reduction and process optimization.
Experience with LEAN problem-solving and continuous improvement methods is a plus.
Strong negotiation skills and experience handling complex supplier relationships.

Experience:

Strategic-level purchasing of goods and services.
Management of working capital, inventory, and stock control.
Leadership of employees.
KPI management of supplier performance.
Industry-relevant experience is a strong advantage – especially detailed work with New Product Introduction (NPI).