Brief Role Description

As a Supply Management Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted flow, coverage, and stability of purchased production materials across the supplier network. Working within the Supply Management organization, you will proactively monitor supplier performance, identify and mitigate supply chain risks, and coordinate corrective and preventive actions to safeguard production continuity. The role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and Audi purchasing organizations to resolve bottlenecks, optimize supplier performance, and maintain adherence to production and logistics standards. Through audits, risk assessments, and escalation management, you will contribute to achieving production targets while supporting operational excellence throughout the supply chain.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Monitor and secure the availability of production materials to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
• Conduct on-site and remote supplier audits to assess production and logistics performance.
• Analyze supplier risks, production coverage, and financial exposure, and escalate critical issues to management.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective action plans with suppliers and internal support functions.
• Evaluate supplier performance using company KPIs and identify potential risks to the business.
• Implement structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Shopfloor Management, Lessons Learned, and Audi Production System standards.
• Assess supplier manufacturing capabilities and support capacity increase initiatives, relocation projects, and business continuity measures.
• Drive escalation management activities to resolve supply shortages and bottlenecks.
• Develop and coordinate alternative technical and logistical solutions to maintain material flow.
• Support recovery of supplier-related costs and negotiate compensation for disruptions or non-compliance.
• Prepare and distribute supplier risk reports to Audi Purchasing and relevant stakeholder groups.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Quality, Production, Logistics, Finance, and Technical Development teams on critical supplier issues.

Qualification requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• Ideally 5 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, or supplier performance management.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and production processes.
• Certified Logistics Auditor and/or VDA 6.8 Auditor certification preferred.
• Experience with quality management systems, supplier audits, and process assessments.
• Knowledge of KBM, TEVON, INCA, Six Sigma, and Project Management methodologies.
• Strong analytical and risk assessment capabilities.
• Experience working in automotive supply chains and supplier networks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Advanced English language proficiency.
• Intermediate German language skills; advanced German is an advantage.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Willingness to travel for supplier visits and on-site assessments. 

Skills