Buyer Installation Services

WHO WE ARE

KNAPP brings new technology to warehouse automation.

The KNAPP Group is a global provider of intelligent automation solutions for intralogistics and manufacturing, specializing in the sectors healthcare, fashion/apparel, general retail, food retail, industry and service. We live and breathe automation. We, more than 8,000 employees of the KNAPP Group across over 60 locations worldwide, shaping the future-oriented intralogistics industry, are dedicated to making complexity simple.

One of KNAPP’s primary goals is to use continuous innovation to drive warehouse automation forward, always with the specific needs of the customers in mind. KNAPP Group’s unrelenting development activity is evident in everything from automated order picking systems and continuing refinement of container handling technology to its state-of-the-art, industry leading software solutions.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

The Buyer - Installation Services is responsible for developing, sourcing, and managing KNAPP's network of installation contractors and installation-related suppliers to support successful project execution across North America. This role serves as the primary procurement lead for subcontracted installation services and is accountable for ensuring adequate labor capacity, competitive commercial terms, strong supplier performance, and scalable contractor coverage to support current and future business growth.

The Buyer partners closely with Installation Management, Project Management, Operations, Engineering, Legal, Risk Management, and Finance to identify qualified installation partners, negotiate commercial agreements, manage supplier performance, mitigate project execution risks, and support labor planning activities. The position plays a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Installation Contractor Network Development

• Develop, maintain, and expand a qualified network of installation contractors to support project execution requirements throughout North America.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard new installation partners to support business growth, geographic expansion, and labor capacity needs.
• Maintain contractor qualification records, compliance documentation, insurance requirements, and onboarding processes.
• Support the development and execution of sourcing strategies for installation services and subcontracted labor.

Strategic Sourcing and Commercial Management

• Lead RFQ and RFP processes for installation labor, materials and related services.
• Evaluate contractor capabilities, pricing, capacity, and geographic coverage.
• Negotiate labor rates, commercial terms, service agreements, and project-specific contracts.
• Drive competitive pricing, cost avoidance, and continuous cost improvement initiatives while maintaining supplier quality and performance.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk Management, and Operations on contract development and risk mitigation activities.

Labor Capacity Planning Support

• Partner with Installation Management to forecast labor demand and subcontractor capacity requirements, installation materials such as cables, cable-trays, anchors, ..
• Monitor contractor utilization, availability, and regional coverage.
• Identify potential labor shortages and proactively develop mitigation plans.
• Support long-range labor planning activities aligned with projected business growth.

Supplier Performance and Risk Management

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve contractor scorecards and key performance indicators.
• Measure supplier performance in areas including safety, quality, productivity, schedule adherence, responsiveness, and commercial performance.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and performance evaluations.
• Lead supplier corrective action initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support contractor risk assessments covering safety, compliance, financial stability, capacity, and operational performance.

Procurement Operations

• Procure installation-related materials, consumables, rental equipment, and third-party services.
• Create, manage, and monitor installation-related purchase orders and contracts.
• Ensure procurement activities support project schedules, budgets, and customer commitments.
• Coordinate with Project Teams, Finance, and Accounts Payable to resolve invoice, payment, and commercial issues.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain contractor performance dashboards and procurement KPIs.
• Monitor installation spend, labor rates, supplier performance trends, and capacity metrics.
• Provide regular reporting and recommendations to Procurement and Operations leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on supplier performance, contractor development, cost optimization, process efficiency, and contractor network scalability.

WHAT YOU HAVE

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, subcontractor management, construction services purchasing, field services sourcing, or related discipline.
• Strong supplier negotiation and commercial contracting experience.
• Experience managing RFQs, RFPs, supplier qualification programs, and vendor performance processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement reporting tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Key competencies include strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, vendor development, subcontractor management, cost management, capacity planning, risk management, procurement analytics, cross-functional collaboration, project procurement, continuous improvement, communication, and influence.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Passport or ability to obtain a passport.
• Professional office etiquette is required at all times.
• Occasional domestic travel throughout North America.
• Professional office environment with periodic site visits and contractor meetings.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours when required to support operations and project demands.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout North America.
• Physical requirements include sitting for long periods of time, standing, walking, speaking, visual acuity, finger dexterity, listening, and reaching at arm's length.

WHAT YOU WILL GET

KNAPP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other basis protected by law.

Due to the safety-sensitive nature of this position, strict adherence to KNAPP’s drug-free workplace policy is required. All candidates will be subject to drug-screening in accordance with the policy and will be expected to remain drug-free during their employment. There will be no exception if recreational or medical use of marijuana is permitted in the location of employment and/or residence or if use of marijuana is only during “off-hours.”