Indirect Buyer

Purpose of the Job

The Indirect Buyer is responsible for end-to-end Indirect procurement for the assigned plant responsibility, from stakeholder requirements and supplier selection through requests for proposal, negotiation, contracting and purchase-to-pay execution.

Through market intelligence, supplier management, process improvement and cross-functional collaboration, the Indirect Buyer protects business continuity, mitigates risk, improves procurement performance and delivers sustainable long-term value.

Principal Responsibilities

Own assigned plant category portfolios, identifying opportunities to support plant performance and resilience

Responsible for end-to-end sourcing of assigned plant responsibility, including stakeholder alignment, requests for proposal, cost analysis, negotiation, supplier selection and award, contracting, risk management and sustained delivery of cost and business valueExecute competitive sourcing and buying activity in line with defined category strategies, company policies, ethical standards and relevant regulations

Manage supplier selection, onboarding, relationships, performance, quality, compliance and risk, including regular business reviews and timely resolution of supply, delivery and service issues

Ensure contracts use approved legal language and appropriate commercial terms, and support negotiation cycles by collaborating with Legal and business stakeholders to finalise agreements

Use SAP S/4HANA and other systems effectively to manage orders, resolve issues and support purchase-to-pay execution

Identify and implement cost savings, cost avoidance and process improvements that simplify workflows and improve procurement efficiency

Ensure procurement activity is compliant, auditable and aligned with internal procurement rules

Collaborate with Category Managers, Indirect Buyers, Operational Officers and stakeholders across relevant business functions to understand requirements and translate them into effective sourcing action.

Clarify internal customer needs and translate requirements, timelines and constraints into supplier-ready requests, working across functions including Operations, Quality, Finance, HR, Logistics, IT, Legal, EHS, RD&A, Projects, Maintenance, Laboratory and Distribution

Coordinate demand, strategy execution, framework agreement use and preferred supplier adoption across the plant, while providing responsive procurement support for site needs

Where there is a standalone Indirect Buyer at the designated plant, be the key contact for site leadership to represent Procurement in all related activities

Support P2P operations with language translations as needed when there’s communication barriers with other countries

Knowledge and Experience

Minimum bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or a related field. Alternatively, if no bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 8 years of plant based indirect procurement experience

At least 3 years of indirect procurement experience

Proven experience in procurement negotiations, requests for proposal, strategy implementation, contract management and supplier management, including work with senior stakeholders

Strong analytical, financial modelling, market research, business acumen, workload management, prioritisation and problem-solving skills

Fluent in English; German language skills are an advantage. Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and experienced with ERP systems, including SAP

Key Competencies

Strategic Thinking and Execution

The ability to envision long term goals and devise plans to achieve them

Accountability

The ability to take ownership of one’s actions and commitments, whilst working towards the common goals of the company

Inclusivity & Appreciation

Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment by valuing and integrating diverse cultural experiences

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Technical Expertise

Proficiency and in-depth knowledge in a specific field or technology

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Customer-Driven Success

Dedication to understanding and prioritizing customer needs and expectations through effective interactions and management

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Emotional intelligence

The capacity to understand and manage one’s own emotions and to empathize with others

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Effective Communication

The ability to convey information clearly and efficiently, ensuring that the intended message is understood by the audience

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Entrepreneurial Leadership

The ability to demonstrate agility, solving problems, making informed decisions and maintaining a forward thinking perspective

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