Brief Role Description

To establish a bridge function (representative) for the Group Raw Material Purchasing onto the African raw material and automotive associations as well as for the Group Purchasing Headquarters. Additionally, a support function for public affairs in partnership or escalations subjects with local governments is part of this position´s scope.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Responsible for the management of the Raw Material Regional Office (personal, disciplinary and functional leadership)
• Participation in all local network associations for raw materials, raw material politics and raw material automotive policies within Africa as the regional representative for the VW-Group
• Construction of a centralized database that’s valid for the African countries considering local news, laws, regulations, insiders as well as information regarding subvention programs with the scope of the mining and refining industry for the VW priority raw materials to support the group with alternative mining suppliers
• Identification of opportunities and risks via a Risk Analysis from regulations and initiatives and derive suitable measures for the Raw Material Steerer (legal entity buyer)
• Manage and report to the Group on local and regional Best Practices such as purchasing strategies, alternative materials, local Standards, innovative Recycling products to keep the Central Raw Material Data Manager abreast with regional mining initiatives 
• Interact with local governments for raw material initiatives (e.g. Africa MaVal) to be the regional “Bridge-Function” between government and the VW group strategic Raw Material Purchasing 
• Network with local research (e.g. universities) and geological institutes (e.g. USGS) to identify new potential raw material sources and alternative technologies for the VW group strategic Raw Material Purchasing to consider in their development and sourcing process 
• Network with raw material and automotive associations to gain access to relevant raw material information (system, newsletter, etc.) and report monthly to the VW group strategic Raw Material Purchasing
• Manage and collaborate with VW group R&D-department to organize exchange meetings with research institutions and possible suppliers to promote regional raw material solutions 
• Manage and facilitate the application of regional alternative materials and/or standards with VW group R&D-Department
• Prepare, organize and manage Local Tech-Days for potential raw material suppliers to introduce and present their company offerings
• Support to the Raw Material Steerer setting up supply safety strategy for raw materials (connection between market and regulation aspects) 
• Support for the VW-Group Public Affairs Department regarding organisation of escalation meetings with local government representatives (e.g. ministry of economy, ministry of industry)

Qualification requirements

A recognised university Degree / Diploma in one of the following disciplines:  Engineering, Economy - interdisciplinary background of politics, public affairs, sustainability management as an advantage

Experience needed

• A minimum of 5 year’s experience in the Automotive and/or Mining Industry
• Working Experience on automotive/ raw material associations in Africa

Essentials

• Knowledge of the Raw material Market (Main materials, Producers, countries, regulations)
• Knowledge of ESG-aspects on critical raw materials
• Knowledge in raw material regulation in Africa for the following materials: Copper, Plastics, Aluminium, Rear Earth, Magnesium, Tungsten, Gallium, Germanium, Nickel, Graphite
• Ability to deal with different stakeholders within the Raw Material/ Automotive

industry as well as with development and education institutions

• Excellent Oral and written Communication skills
• Excellent Presentation, Argumentation skills
• Planning and management skills
• Structured working style
• Computer Literacy is essential (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Self-motivated and driven
• Independent working style
• Strong Teamwork skills
• Full availability to perform international business trips (within Africa)
• Multicultural competence
• Leadership and delegation
• Fluent in English
• Proficiency in German would be an added advantage

NOTE:

Please ensure that you upload a certified copy of your ID and qualifications