Master Thesis - Supplier Relationship Management
Eskilstuna, SE, 405 08
Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.
Background of Thesis work
Today the competition in the Construction Equipment market is tough and truly global and this is set to continue in the future. The requirements from important stakeholders, like governments, industry organizations and our owners are regularly being updated and revised. In this fast-paced environment, Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE) has a commitment to our customers to deliver competitive products and solutions to meet their expectations.
In addition to this, and in part because of the above, the shift towards green and energy efficient technologies is there in all areas. To keep up with the speed of development, it is challenging for one company to do all this alone, collaboration in the supply chain network is needed.
At the same time, we are today experiencing a very volatile and uncertain world. Trade routes are disrupted due to wars, trade barriers are put in place through tariffs between countries, cost of energy and raw materials fluctuate, and the electrification transition is slowed down.
In VCE we believe we can’t manage all these challenges alone; it calls for an effective way of collaborating with partners. In Volvo we say that "Partnership is the new Leadership".
In VCE Purchasing, we have a key focus area on Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) addressing the development of our partnership models with the ambition to build strong and trustful partnerships with our preferred suppliers.
We are now looking for a pair of Master students to review our current SRM process in a Master Thesis and suggest possible updates and improvements for a future world class SRM model.
Description of Thesis work and Deliverables
The first thing to do is of course to learn about Volvo Group and Volvo Construction Equipment and the strategic ambitions we have for the future. You will have to do a thorough review of our current SRM process and interview people working in this process today.
We expect you to apply an outside-in perspective using academia, literature, other studies and possibly other companies and organizations as you conduct your studies and apply those insights when you work on your research. You will also have to talk to and interview multiple stakeholders within VCE working with this process, both in Sweden and at our global locations.
The expected deliverables is a proposal for an updated SRM process for VCE, including a governance model for managing our supplier partner portfolio. This model could include supplier segmentation, dashboards and explanations of how it will bring efficiencies and value to Volvo CE and its stakeholders.
Suitable background
You are master students in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics or similar. Through your studies and experience, you have built a strong interest and awareness of the needs for efficient flow and collaboration in global organizations and their networks.
You have developed an analytical and strong business mindset and have experience in driving complex tasks applying proven problem solving approach.
In the selection process for this thesis, we will look for candidates with good fit to Volvo AB values and willingness to learn, a growth mindset.
Location
Flexible in Sweden, but we prefer if you could be frequently in our office in Eskilstuna, Sweden.
Thesis information
Thesis Level: Master, 30 ECTS points
Language: English
Starting date: Preferably January or February, 2026
Number of students: 2 students working in pair
Last applacationday: November 30
Contact person: Martin Oldaeus, Head of Purchasing Hydraulic Controls, Sourcing Global Commodities
martin.oldaeus@volvo.comv +46 73 558 5991
We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.
Who we are and what we believe in
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.
Part of Volvo Group, Volvo Construction Equipment is a global company driven by our purpose to build the world we want to live in. Together we develop and deliver solutions for a cleaner, smarter, and more connected world. By unleashing everyone’s full potential, we build a more sustainable future for all our stakeholders. Come join our team and help us build a better tomorrow.