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 material data into the 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 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 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 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.

Key Competencies

• 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 and ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to research and solve order/delivery issues.
• Strong data‑entry skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and import/export processes.
• Supply risk identification and mitigation.
• Competence with IT systems, Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Education and Experience

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

Travel Requirement

Up to 5% travel required.

Other Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

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

Diversity and Inclusion

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 protected characteristics.

Why Consider Sterling?

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) with more than 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The company also offers Antibody‑Drug Conjugate (ADC) research and development bioconjugation services. With facilities in the UK and the US and a workforce of over 800 talented professionals, Sterling supports customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving patients’ lives. The culture emphasizes a supportive team environment, shared goals, and an exceptional experience for both customers and employees.