The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for the sourcing, qualification, performance management, and strategic development of installation subcontractors across China. The role supports the implementation of category strategies, supplier governance, cost competitiveness, service quality, safety compliance, and supplier capacity development to ensure sustainable business growth.

The role requires close collaboration with Operations (DOD), Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, EHS, Legal to drive supplier performance, risk management, and cost optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Management & Governance

• Manage the lifecycle of installation subcontractors, including supplier sourcing, qualification, onboarding, evaluation, development, and exit management.
• Establish and maintain a qualified subcontractor pool to support business growth and operational requirements.
• Conduct periodic supplier performance reviews covering safety, quality, delivery, productivity, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with subcontractors to improve operational performance and competitiveness.
• Monitor subcontractor capacity, capability, and resource planning to ensure business continuity.

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Support the development and execution of installation subcontracting category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead sourcing projects, RFQs, supplier negotiations, and contracting activities for installation services.
• Conduct market intelligence analysis and supplier benchmarking to identify cost-saving and value creation opportunities.
• Support annual budget planning, productivity initiatives, and procurement savings programs.
• Collaborate with global category teams to leverage best practices and procurement synergies.

Cost Management

• Analyze installation labor market trends and subcontracting cost structures.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives while maintaining required service, quality, and safety standards.
• Identify and mitigate cost inflation risks arising from labor regulations, government policies, and market changes.
• Track procurement savings and support financial validation processes.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Operations, Finance, Legal, Quality, EHS, and regional procurement teams.
• Assess supplier risks and develop mitigation plans covering financial, operational, compliance, and capacity risks.
• Support business units in addressing supplier performance, capacity, and risk management issues.
• Support supplier audits, corrective actions, and compliance improvement programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• High potential in strategic sourcing and installation subcontractor management

• Experience in installation, construction, engineering services, industrial projects, elevator industry, or related sectors is preferred
• Good communication in both Chinese and English to manage internal/external interfaces with

various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to understand the organization's strategic direction and align installation subcontractor procurement strategies to achieve company objectives.
• Strong logic thinking, open-minded, team work-oriented.

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on https://kone.com/global/en/careers.html