Kamuran Yüce was fascinated by technology from an early age. She was the only girl at HTL Rankweil to choose the communications technology course. This technical understanding has stayed with her to this day and complements her business acumen and her ability to connect with people. A combination that she can apply every day as Lead Buyer in Strategic Procurement for Electronics and Software, at Liebherr in Nenzing. As Lead Buyer, she is responsible for international procurement and supplier strategies for key electronic and software components and plays an active role in shaping procurement within the Liebherr Group.
A journey that led back to Nenzing
Her career at Liebherr began almost 30 years ago: after completing her education, Kamuran started work in Nenzing, where electronic components were still being manufactured at the time. She later went on to work at Liebherr-Electronic and Drives GmbH in Lindau.
After her second period of maternity leave, she decided to make a career change and find a job closer to her children. However, the connection with Liebherr remained. ‘When you’re on holiday and you spot a yellow construction machine somewhere, you immediately feel a sense of pride.’
In 2021, her journey took her back to Liebherr in Nenzing. ‘Coming back to Nenzing after so many years felt almost like coming home.’ Today, she is part of the around 50-strong procurement team.
More than just negotiating prices
What does one actually do in strategic procurement? ‘In strategic procurement, we do much more than just negotiate contracts and prices. Together with our specialist departments and our suppliers, we develop solutions that will ensure our machines continue to be successful in the future,’ explains Kamuran. It is by no means just about prices. Securing supply chains, assessing technology trends, minimising risks and working with internal specialist departments to develop the right supplier strategy are all part of the process. Precisely this variety makes her job so exciting for her.
At the same time, her job is very much about people. Conducting discussions with suppliers, finding solutions, reconciling differing interests and keeping a cool head even in difficult negotiations – all of this is part of the job.
Her decisions have a direct impact on the company’s success. Together with her colleagues and suppliers, Kamuran develops solutions that enable new technologies, safeguard long-term supply and help ensure that Liebherr can offer its customers innovative and competitive products.
An environment you would want to stay in
As well as her work, Kamuran particularly values her team and the opportunities the site offers her. She also enjoys taking part in the wide range of activities on offer relating to health and exercise. For her, however, something else is key: the feeling of being part of the company in the long term. ‘I value that a great deal of importance is placed on employees here. It makes me feel good to be part of a family-run company that is committed to continuity and sustainable growth.’
Perhaps it is precisely this connection that has brought Kamuran back to Nenzing after so many years, to the place where her story at Liebherr first began.