Working Student Strategic Purchasing (m/f/d)

Build a career powered by innovations that matter!  At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible.  We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.

Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.  Looking for a great place to work?  You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment.  Come explore Novanta.

This position is part of Novanta’s Advanced Surgery (AS) business unit, a leader in the field of minimally invasive surgery. Our mission is to develop innovative medical devices and accessories that enable surgeons to perform procedures through smaller incisions, helping improve patient outcomes and recovery times.

Our portfolio includes advanced camera systems, insufflators, medical pumps, and specialized tubing solutions that support both diagnosis and treatment. By expanding body cavities and facilitating access during surgery, our technologies help transform complex procedures into less invasive interventions. Working closely with customers, physicians, and technical experts, we continuously strive to advance surgical innovation and improve healthcare worldwide.

Job Summary

As a Working Student Strategic Purchasing, you will support our team of Strategic Buyers (Category Leaders) in managing supplier relationships, analyzing sourcing markets, and driving procurement initiatives. You will take ownership of a spend category and/or contribute to key strategic projects within one of our business segments, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a global and innovative environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze sourcing markets and build expertise in supplier landscapes and industry trends.
• Support the development and execution of sourcing strategies that foster innovation, optimize costs, and strengthen supplier partnerships.
• Assist in preparing for and participating in supplier negotiations.
• Support indirect purchasing activities and help manage procurement-related expenses through our global expense management tools.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.
• Work closely with R&D and other stakeholders to identify and commercialize new technologies, materials, and supplier opportunities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Learn and apply strategic procurement best practices and tools, including purchase-to-pay processes, logistics concepts, and value stream mapping.
• Support additional tasks and projects as assigned by the manager.

Required Experience, Education, Skills, Training and Competencies

• Currently enrolled in a Master's degree program in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, or a related field, or possess equivalent knowledge and experience.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel; experience with Power BI is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills combined with a proactive mindset.
• Ability to quickly learn new systems, work independently, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both German and English.
  

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.

Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.