Lead Buyer, Professional Services & IT/Software - J0051294

Lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiations, and procurement activities for professional services, software, SaaS, IT hardware, telecommunications, and technology-related services. Partner with business stakeholders, IT, Finance, Legal, and suppliers to deliver cost savings, mitigate risk, optimize supplier performance, and align with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Support regional activities and projects, including developing regional commodity strategies and cost-reduction initiatives (Mexico/Brazil).
• Manage the supplier selection process for key professional services and IT categories/subcategories.
• Support regional contract negotiations and new program launches.
• Analyze market trends, including rate cards, cost analysis, cost-reduction strategies, and market intelligence.
• Develop long-term supplier and commodity planning to strengthen the supplier base.
• Lead ongoing cost-reduction activities to meet and exceed departmental and company objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Finance, Legal, IT) to ensure procurement alignment with business goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in purchasing or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (preferred).
• Strong analytical skills to interpret large datasets (costs, supplier proposals).
• Proven negotiation, decision-making, and project-management abilities.
• Ability to lead teams, delegate responsibilities, and manage multiple projects independently.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with all levels of management.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• High ethical standards and a basic understanding of contract law.
• Knowledge of cloud service providers, cybersecurity requirements, and technology procurement (preferred).

Skills

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Financial & Spend Analysis
• Stakeholder Management
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Business Acumen
• Project Management
• Communication & Influence
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Schedule

• 40–60 hours per week.
• Occasional travel to suppliers and Astemo locations (including international travel).

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based; required to sit or stand for long periods.
• Occasional lifting/moving of up to 25 pounds.