Direct Materials Purchasing Director – China

About the role

Join KONE as the Direct Materials Purchasing Director for China, leading the development and execution of purchasing strategies that support safe, sustainable, and efficient people flow across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive direct materials purchasing strategy aligned with KONE’s corporate objectives.
• Drive cost optimisation through strategic sourcing initiatives and cross‑unit sourcing opportunities.
• Supervise Unit Sourcing Managers, ensuring implementation of sourcing strategy and operational excellence.
• Lead cross‑functional spend steering meetings and foster collaboration between global, area and local sourcing teams.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and represent sourcing within the Area Management Team.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, business or related field; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of purchasing experience, including at least 6 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Deep knowledge of direct materials purchasing and the Chinese supply market.
• Proven track record of change management and cost optimisation.
• Fluent in Mandarin and English, both written and spoken.

Required skills

• Strategic sourcing.
• Lean manufacturing.
• Six Sigma methodology.