Senior Buyer Planner

About the role

The Buyer Planner leads and manages the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure timely availability of materials, services, and equipment while maintaining compliance with company and global procurement policies. This role plays a strategic part in optimizing procurement operations, developing sourcing strategies, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of Capex, Opex, services, consumables, spares, and utilities.

Responsibilities

• Procure Capex items, Opex requirements, services, and related consumables for production, utility equipment, engineering needs, and other plant operational requirements.
• Prepare and manage Purchase Orders (POs), release to approved vendors, and coordinate delivery, installation, and commissioning activities to ensure On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) performance.
• Collaborate with other Sun plants and Head Office teams to identify, share, and adopt best procurement strategies, supplier options, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Analyze consumption patterns of consumables and spares to support plant teams and ensure timely replenishment aligned with usage trends.
• Create and manage annual rate contracts, long-term agreements, open POs, and multi-vendor arrangements for price stability, supply security, and cost advantages.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies for Capex, Opex, services, spares, equipment, and utilities, focusing on cost optimization and operational efficiency.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers, conducting continuous market research, benchmarking, and commercial assessments for strategic sourcing decisions.
• Build long-term vendor partnerships, improve supplier performance, and lead negotiations to optimize cost, quality, delivery, service levels, and contractual terms.
• Drive improvements in procurement processes, systems, documentation, and compliance, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field; pharmaceuticals, chemicals, engineering, FMCG, utilities, or manufacturing industry background preferred.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Commercial Operations within a manufacturing or process-driven industry.
• Hands-on experience managing end-to-end P2P processes, including PR review, RFQ, negotiation, PO creation, delivery follow-ups, and invoice coordination.
• Experience handling procurement for Capex, Opex, Services, Consumables, Spares, Utilities, and Engineering equipment.
• Demonstrated ability in supplier identification, qualification, development, and performance evaluation.
• Experience managing multi-vendor environments, long-term contracts, rate agreements, and open POs.
• Proven track record in identifying cost-saving opportunities, redesigning supply strategies, and executing value-engineering initiatives.
• Ability to understand technical requirements, convert them into procurement specifications, and align with user needs.
• Strong analytical skills using Excel, SAP, or similar procurement tools.
• Ability to manage multiple procurement categories simultaneously under tight timelines.

Work Conditions

• Office, manufacturing, and warehouse environments.
• Physical requirements: sitting, using hands/fingers, talking, hearing, operating computers/office machines, and lifting up to 10 lbs.
• Travel up to 10% for vendor visits or exhibitions.

Pay

Anticipated base compensation pay range: $71,000 to $87,000. Actual compensation may vary based on geographical location and experience. This position is also eligible for the Annual Performance Bonus Plan.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick time.