Raw Materials Development Manager

Job Role

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.

Key duties

• 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 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 company 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 company 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 company 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 company group strategic Raw Material Purchasing
• Manage and collaborate with company 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 withcompany 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)

Minimum Qualifications & Experience 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