Buyer

About the Role

The Buyer II is accountable for ensuring uninterrupted supply of assigned direct materials supporting GMP manufacturing operations. This role owns an assigned supplier portfolio and is responsible for supplier performance, delivery reliability, cost competitiveness, and mitigation of supply risks. The Buyer II works closely with Planning, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, Finance, Warehouse, and Operations to ensure continuity of supply, resolve issues, and support ongoing improvements.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned supplier portfolio, recommend supplier selection, and monitor supplier performance, market conditions, capacity, quality, and delivery reliability.
• Select new vendors, distributors, and/or manufacturers for materials and implement changes following company compliance.
• Measure, analyze, and report supplier performance metrics, including OTIF, responsiveness, quality, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Research invoice problems with suppliers and coordinate resolutions with the Finance Department.
• Enter data of materials into ERP Inventory System; coordinate with suppliers to assure accurate pricing and description.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities that deliver measurable savings.
• Communicate to suppliers clearly and concisely all expectations for the purchased goods, including part numbers, pricing, delivery times, and payment terms.
• Communicate potential or current order problems early with end users and offer recommended solutions.
• Prepare Request for Quotation forms as needed.
• Escalate significant supply risks and communicate delivery challenges and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze commodity market and trends in supply and pricing.
• Assist in developing departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain ERP records associated with the purchasing function, supplying relevant information to accounting, quality, sales, and production functions as requested.
• Manage procurement of assigned direct materials, packaging components, filters, drums, and manufacturing consumables utilizing ERP-generated demand, MRP messages, reorder point (ROP) parameters, and production requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels, supplier lead times, and demand changes to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory and supply risk.
• Review and maintain planning parameters including lead times, order quantities, safety stock levels, and reorder points in partnership with Planning and Operations.
• Partner with Planning, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Operations to identify, communicate, and mitigate material shortages that may impact production schedules or customer commitments.
• Partner with Supplier Quality to support supplier qualification, change notifications, supplier corrective actions, and ongoing GMP compliance requirements.
• Rationalize the supplier base as required.
• Assist in training colleagues within the department.
• Reconcile, publish, and distribute spend reports to departments throughout the organization.
• Ensure timely completion and compliance with cGMP and all other relevant company training requirements.

Requirements

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software - advanced Excel preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP - SAP experience preferred.
• Web-based procurement knowledge.
• Working knowledge of PPV, payment terms, and invoice reconciliation.
• Strong knowledge of production and inventory practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to research and solve order/delivery issues.
• Strong data entry skills and attention to detail.
• Prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and import/export processes.
• Supply risk identification and mitigation.
• Competency with IT systems and Microsoft Office including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field with 3 - 5+ years of related experience; OR
• High School Diploma with 6+ years of related experience.

Up to 5% travel required.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for a flexible schedule.
• This position is eligible for hybrid work location.

Sterling values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, past or present military service, marital status, gender identification or expression, medical condition (including genetic characteristics), or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

About Sterling

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with more than 50 years' experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complemented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) research and development bioconjugation services. We are a fast-growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK and the US, where we employ more than 800 talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving, and saving the lives of patients. Our culture and way of working set us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees. You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first-class science and service to our customers every day.