Lead Buyer - Packaging, Technics, and Services

Responsibilities

• Maintains overall Spend & Category ownership for Packaging and Indirect areas, to ensure adequate and timely supply of goods and services to support manufacturing and business operations. Particular focus on zero stockouts, business disruption, or customer impact.
• Develops and implements end-to-end strategic sourcing processes – including category strategies, RFx execution, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Negotiates volume, price, payment terms, lead-times, and other Commercial points to ensure optimal levels of quality, service, and cost.
• Maintains the Company’s competitive advantages by negotiating contracts and service level agreements, ensuring optimal supplier performance and mitigating Risk (supply, cost, legal, compliance, IP loss, etc.).
• Identifies, documents, and delivers year over year cost reduction by leading total cost of ownership (TCO) and value engineering initiatives, specific within Sourcing or in partnership with other functions.
• Identifies, documents and delivers opportunities to improve cash conversion: extending vendor payment terms, reducing inventory, and optimizing spend.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of Buyers, by fostering a culture of strategic thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of Sourcing and Regional Senior Leadership on Packaging and Indirect trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develops, gains alignment with key stakeholders, and executes long-term supplier, sourcing, and supply chain strategies.
• Maintains expertise on regional and global market conditions, liaising with Global Sourcing counterparts where appropriate

Qualifications

• Effective written and verbal business communication
• Demonstrated ability to manage a fast-paced, dynamic business environment with competing priorities & projects
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Engineering, or other relevant field of study.
• 10-15 years experience of progressive Procurement or Supply Chain experience, ideally for a food manufacturing business.
• Deep expertise in Packaging procurement and Indirect spend management.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiation, cost savings delivery, and developing + executing sourcing strategies.
• Experience with SAP, Aribia, or other ERP systems and procurement tools.