Bálint Kató

Regional Strategic Buyer @ Alpine Electronics Manufacturing of Europe LTD. Hungary

About

Strategic Purchasing and Supplier Development professional with 10+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, specializing in strategic sourcing, supplier industrialization, product allocation, and supply chain stabilization.In my current role, I lead regional sourcing for high-end cosmetic interior plastic components for premium OEMs including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW and Volvo, driving 3–5% cost reduction through strong commercial negotiations, contract optimization and value engineering in a highly inflationary market environment.A core part of my role is securing production continuity under volatile supply conditions — managing supplier and logistics disruptions, driving escalations, taking decisive actions during shortages, and supporting resilient supply chains.I also lead new supplier development and industrialization, including introducing suppliers from scratch, optimizing commercial agreements, and supporting successful product launches.Previously at DENSO, I delivered €3.5M annual savings through supplier development, product allocation and process optimization, while improving supplier QCD performance. I was recognized with the DENSO Presidential Award for contributions in product development and supply allocation.I combine strong technical understanding with commercial mindset, structured problem solving and stakeholder management, with extensive experience working across Europe, Japan and China.Motivated by challenging environments where strong sourcing strategy, supplier development and supply resilience create measurable business impact.

Country

Hungary

City

Tatabánya

Industry

Automotive

Skill

Research and Development (R&D), Machining Expert, Machine Learning, Project Management, Business Strategy, Purchasing Negotiation, Supply Chain Management, Supplier Development, Deep Learning, Data Analysis, Quality Improvement, Cost Reduction, Verification and Validation (V&V), Machine Tools, Internet of Things (IoT), Plant Management, Machining expert, Smart Manufacturing, Traceability, Diesel Engine

Experience

Regional Strategic Buyer

Alpine Electronics Manufacturing of Europe LTD. Hungary

2022-7 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

Biatorbágy

Deliver 3–5% cost reduction in a high-inflation European market, representing significant impact in today’s cost environment • Manage a supplier base of ~20 suppliers across Europe and China, ensuring performance in cost, quality, and delivery • Lead end-to-end sourcing activities (RFQ → supplier selection → negotiation → nomination) • Drive supplier resourcing, benchmarking, and value engineering initiatives • Actively manage supply chain disruptions, handling supplier and logistics escalations to ensure continuity of production • Introduce and industrialize new suppliers and technologies (2K injection molding, IMD, PVD, laser etching) • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and program teams to support successful product launches

Supplier Development Expert

DENSO

2017-8 - 2022-7 · 5 yrs

Székesfehérvár, Fejér, Hungary

Delivered €3.5M annual cost savings through supplier development and cost optimization • Led supplier performance improvement across quality, cost, and delivery (QCD) • Conducted supplier validation, audits (VDA), and structured risk mitigation activities • Drove automation and process optimization projects at supplier sites • Performed deep root cause analysis and structured problem-solving • Improved supplier KPIs, including scrap reduction and delivery performance • Awarded DENSO Presidential Award (2021) for outstanding contribution

Plant Manager

Letsch Szerszám Kft.

2015-9 - 2017-8 · 2 yrs

Székesfehérvár, Fejér, Hungary

Managed full plant operations (~80 employees) with responsibility for performance and efficiency • Improved operational KPIs and overall plant performance • Implemented process improvements and supported organizational development • Contributed to EU tenders and governance improvements

Project leader

Stephex Group

2013-1 - 2015-9 · 2 yrs 9 mos

Székesfehérvár, Fejér, Hungary

Led prototype-to-serial production projects in a fast-paced environment • Coordinated cross-functional activities to ensure successful project delivery • Managed technical documentation and authority approvals

Prototype Construction Engineer

Güntner

2011-7 - 2012-12 · 1 yr 6 mos

Hungary

Designed industrial heat exchangers • Supported prototype manufacturing and engineering processes

Private Physics, Matematics Teacher

2006-9 - 2011-6 · 4 yrs 10 mos

Győr, Győr-Moson-Sopron, Hungary

Developed exceptional ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and logically • Built strong communication and influencing skills applicable in stakeholder management • Adapted communication style to different audiences and levels