Tobias Fritz

Head of Purchasing & Logistics at Medtron AG

Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany

About

Results-driven procurement and supply chain leader with extensive experience in global strategic sourcing, organizational leadership, and operational excellence in international industrial environments. I combine a strong strategic procurement background from Villeroy & Boch with current end-to-end leadership responsibility for Purchasing & Logistics at MEDTRON AG, where I am accountable for the overall performance, development, and strategic alignment of the department. At Villeroy & Boch, I operated at global corporate level as Category Manager with end-to-end responsibility for internationally sourced product groups, defining global sourcing strategies, building international supplier networks, leading cross-functional cost optimization programs, and acting as procurement partner for product development and top-management decision processes. My work contributed to global supply chain structures, supplier innovation integration, and post-merger procurement synergies. In my current leadership role, I am responsible for the holistic management and continuous development of the Purchasing & Logistics function, including process optimization, budget planning and control, resource allocation, and ensuring a resilient and compliant supply chain. My scope includes: • Strategic and operational leadership of Purchasing & Logistics • Optimization, steering, and monitoring of all relevant supply chain processes • Departmental budget responsibility and cost control • Leadership, development, and performance management of employees • Responsibility for export control (goods- and country-based) • Ensuring customs-compliant import and export processes • Cross-departmental collaboration to support integrated product development and company-wide objectives My profile is characterized by strong analytical capability, high reliability, and the ability to deliver results in complex, international and regulated environments. I am known as a trusted business partner who connects strategy with operational execution, drives sustainable improvements, and fosters constructive, performance-oriented team cultures.

Experience

  • Head of Purchasing & Logistics at MEDTRON AG
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

    In this role, I am responsible for the holistic leadership, development, and performance of the Purchasing & Logistics function within an internationally active medical technology company. The position combines strategic supply chain management with operational excellence, compliance responsibility, and team leadership at departmental level. My scope covers the end-to-end supply chain from strategic sourcing to logistics execution, ensuring a resilient, cost-efficient, and compliant supply structure in a regulated industry environment. Key responsibilities include: • Overall leadership and continuous development of the Purchasing & Logistics department • Optimization, steering, and monitoring of all relevant procurement and supply chain processes • Development and implementation of sourcing strategies to ensure reliable supply of materials and services • Supplier management and development with focus on cost efficiency, quality, and long-term partnerships • Budget planning, cost control, and structured allocation of departmental resources • Leadership, development, and performance management of the purchasing and logistics team • Driving cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Production, Quality, and other departments to support integrated product development and company objectives • Optimization of supply chain structures to reduce inventory levels and overall costs • Responsibility for export control (goods- and country-based compliance) • Ensuring customs-compliant handling of imports and exports in accordance with EU and national regulations • Acting within a regulated medical technology environment with high requirements on process reliability and documentation This role requires combining strategic thinking with hands-on operational control, strong analytical capability, and leadership in a growing international organization. I focus on building robust processes, and aligning supply chain performance with overall business strategy.

  • Category Manager at Villeroy & Boch
    Nov 2017 - May 2025 · 7 yrs 7 mos

    As Category Manager within Corporate Procurement, I held global end-to-end responsibility for strategically relevant product groups in the Bathroom & Wellness division, covering sourced finished and semi-finished goods such as toilet seats, flushing and drain technology, installation systems, and innovative sanitary solutions including electronic bidet toilets. My role combined strategic procurement leadership with cross-functional business partnering at international group level. I defined and executed global sourcing strategies, built and developed international supplier networks, and ensured long-term supply security while continuously delivering sustainable cost improvements. Key focus areas included: • Ownership of global procurement strategies for multiple product categories with direct impact on product portfolio and margin performance • Development of global supply chains (end-to-end) and implementation of risk mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity • Lead of international and cross-functional cost optimization programs and design-to-cost / value analysis initiatives • Procurement partner for Product Development, integrating supplier innovation into new product development projects • Preparation of make-or-buy scenarios and decision bases for top management • Contribution to post-merger procurement synergies following the integration of Ideal Standard • Close collaboration with global stakeholders across Product Management, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, Controlling, regional buying offices, and executive functions Recognized for strong analytical capability, reliability, and a highly structured way of working, I consistently delivered results under high workload and complex international environments. I was regarded as a trusted and valued partner by internal stakeholders and external business partners alike, representing the company in a professional and solution-oriented manner.

  • Bauhaus Category Manager for Taps and Showers at BAHAG AG
    2016 - 2017 · 1 yr

    As a „Zentraleinkäufer“ I was a Product Procurement and Sales Specialist at Bauhaus, I played a crucial role in ensuring the availability, presentation, and sales success of key product categories, including taps, showers, and stoves. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences, I focused on optimizing product placement and presentation on store shelves. One of my notable achievements during my tenure at Bauhaus was spearheading the expansion of the renowned Bauhaus private label brand, "Camargue." I successfully led the introduction of Camargue products in the shower category, overseeing the refurbishment of store shelves and implementing captivating product displays. Through meticulous planning and collaboration with various teams, I helped drive brand awareness and increase sales for the Camargue product line. To further amplify product visibility and reach, I actively participated in marketing initiatives, leveraging our channels to promote the products under my responsibility. This included developing enticing content for leaflets, as well as coordinating online and offline campaigns to engage customers and drive sales. Working at Bauhaus provided me with valuable insights into the dynamic retail industry, honed my skills in product procurement, visual merchandising, and sales, and allowed me to contribute to the growth and success of a renowned brand.

  • Deputy Head of Purchasing and Product Manager at Franz Joseph Schütte GmbH
    2014 - 2016 · 2 yrs

  • Leiter Back-Office at Friboss Handelsgesellschaft MbH & Co KG
    Nov 2013 - Jul 2014 · 9 mos