Buyer II – Direct Materials

Summary Of 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. The position requires execution of the Sterling Values and non-negotiables, as well as expertise in the functional competencies including in the position profile.

Essential Functions

• Own assigned supplier portfolio, recommend supplier selection and monitor supplier performance, market conditions, capacity, quality, and delivery reliability.
• Selects new vendors, distributors and/or manufacturers for materials and implements changes following company compliance.
• Measure, analyze and report supplier performance metrics, including OTIF, responsiveness, quality and corrective action effectiveness.
• Researches invoice problems with suppliers and coordinates resolutions with the Finance Department.
• Enters data of materials into ERP Inventory System; coordinates with suppliers to assure accurate pricing and description.
• Identifies and implements cost reduction opportunities that deliver measurable savings.
• Communicates to suppliers clearly and concisely all expectations for the purchased goods, including part numbers, pricing, delivery times and payment terms.
• Communicates potential or current order problems early with end users and offers recommended solutions.
• Prepares Request for Quotation forms as needed.
• Escalates significant supply risks and communicates delivery challenges and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Monitors and analyzes commodity market and trends in supply and pricing.
• Assists in developing departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains ERP records associated with the purchasing function, supplying relevant information to the 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 department.
• Reconcile, publish and distribute spend reports to departments throughout the organization.
• Ensures 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.
• 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.
• Candidates need to be competent with IT systems, and Microsoft Office including 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.

Why Consider Sterling?

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) with more than 50 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complimented 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 our way of working is what really sets 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.